The
Serbian government decided Wednesday to allow the free import of oil and oil
products and liberalize their prices from January 2011, Beta news agency
reported.
"This historic decision leads us towards a free market and free formation
of prices which will mean a better quality of oil and oil derivatives for lower
prices," Beta quoted Serbian Energy Minister Petar Skundric as saying.
The decision will come into force Jan. 1, Skundric said.
The move effectively revokes the monopoly of Gazprom-owned oil company NIS on
imports of oil.
Gazprom bought a 51% stake in NIS for EUR400 million in December 2008 as part
of a wide-ranging accord between Russia and Serbia.