Danube situation does not yet affect Pančevo Refinery operations; 'austerity measures in other sectors'

Serbia's Pančevo oil refinery is continuing its operations without interruption, despite concerns raised by a historically low water level on the Danube River. While the refinery's production process remains unaffected for now, the Serbian government has acknowledged significant energy challenges, prompting the implementation of austerity measures across other sectors.

President Aleksandar Vučić had previously indicated that the refinery might need to temporarily halt operations due to the low Danube levels. However, sources indicate that current water levels have not yet impacted the refinery's production. The Republic's Headquarters for Emergency Situations has been monitoring the hydrological and meteorological situation closely, with measures being taken to mitigate the effects of a prolonged heatwave and the critically low river levels.

In response to the situation, an appeal has been issued to citizens, local governments, businesses, and all users to practice rational and responsible consumption of electricity and water, particularly for irrigation. This call for conservation aims to ensure the stable functioning of water supply, energy systems, and other vital infrastructure.

Professor Branimir Jovančićević of the Faculty of Chemistry in Belgrade noted that while other rivers remain relatively stable, the Danube's critical state is primarily due to extremely low rainfall in Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. The drought poses a significant threat to energy production, especially at the Đerdap 1 and 2 hydroelectric power plants.

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Ova suša koja je po intenzitetu možda i najslabija u poređenju sa prethodnim je tipična po nečemu - po niskom vodostaju Dunava. Ostale reke i vode nisu toliko kritične, čak ni Sava nije kritična, jer sa svojim pritokama iz Bosne, Hrvatske, Slovenije doprinosi da koliko-toliko napuni Dunav. Sam Dunav kritičan zbog ekstremno niskih padavina u Nemačkoj, Austriji, Slovačkoj i Mađarskoj.