A new tender for the modernization and adaptation of oil product reservoirs in Bar, complete with necessary equipment, will be announced early next week, around mid-April.

This information was officially confirmed to “Vijesti” by the Ministry of Mining, Oil and Gas, led by Minister Admir Šahmanović.

“Considering the tender procedure timeline, we anticipate the work will be completed by early 2026, assuming suitable bidders emerge who meet all required conditions and criteria,” stated the Ministry of Mining.

This tender, which had a submission deadline of February 12th, was originally announced last year, but unfortunately, no bids were received.

“The tender will be published on the Montenegrin Electronic Public Procurement Portal (CEJN), which grants it an international scope. In the previous period, interest was shown only by companies from the region, which was anticipated due to the specific and complex nature of the tasks and the fact that Montenegro operates just one terminal with limited expertise in constructing and maintaining oil infrastructure,” the Ministry added.

As they pointed out, the tender process typically spans several months, during which all conditions and criteria for bidders will be clearly outlined and accessible once the tender is officially announced.

“Given that there were no bids for the last tender, a new tender process is necessary. With all legal prerequisites now fulfilled, the new tender announcement is scheduled for mid-April. The adaptation work is expected to last up to nine months after signing the contract with the winning bidder, although the actual implementation period may be shorter. However, this deadline has been established due to the terminal’s operational status, frequent deliveries of flammable materials, heightened safety requirements during project execution, along with the seasonality and intricacy of the project itself,” the Ministry explained.

In December of the previous year, Parliament passed the Law on Security of Petroleum Supply, crucial for closing Chapter 15 (Energy), which mandates the establishment of oil reserves. These reserves are to be created and maintained to address supply interruptions or emergencies.

The government plans to utilize the state-owned “Montenegrobonus” reservoirs in Bar for storing oil reserves, with a modernization budget of 1.5 million euros allocated from a total of 7.5 million euros granted by the EU; the remaining funds will be used for oil product reserves purchases.

The Hydrocarbons Administration, along with any importer of oil derivatives importing 15,000 tons or more of unleaded gasoline and/or gas oils, is obliged to establish mandatory reserves.

This year, oil companies “Jugopetrol,” “Ina Crna Gora,” and “Petrol Crna Gora” will collaborate with the state in forming oil reserves, with the Ministry of Mining, Oil and Gas providing guidance on the quantity and structure of these reserves.

The Council Holds Its First Meeting

A legal requirement is also to establish a Council for Ensuring Secure Market Supply of Petroleum Products.

This Council, chaired by Šahmanović, convened for its inaugural session yesterday, discussing the timeline of future activities and actionable steps to enhance the resilience of the supply system.

“During the meeting, members prioritized work topics, particularly focusing on market monitoring and ensuring steady supply to Montenegro, EU, and/or Energy Community members, maintaining mandatory reserves, and developing a crisis management plan,” the Ministry of Mining stated in their announcement.

The Council plays a vital role in overseeing the petroleum products market situation and recommending measures to the Government to avert and address potential supply disruptions.

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