Banjaluka – Gas pipeline Pale-Jahorina has been put into operation today, completing the gasification of the entire mountain, a project worth 15 million marks funded by the Government of Republika Srpska.
The pipeline was put into operation by the President of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik symbolically lighting the flame.
"We are moving forward from here, we have set two strategic directions – towards Banja Luka and towards Trebinje, which we will work on simultaneously," said the President of Republika Srpska.
He specified that the pipeline towards Trebinje will be operated by "Sarajevo-gas," and from Bijeljina towards Banja Luka by "Gas RES," emphasizing that both companies are owned by Republika Srpska.
"It is now clear how important it was for us to buy back the shares of Sarajevo-gas from the private owners who had captured this area and did not allow any progress, as soon as we regained state ownership, with government support, we received this," Dodik said.
He thanked everyone involved in the realization of the completed project today – investors, the Government of Republika Srpska, and contractors.
The total network is 27 kilometers long, with 11 kilometers of primary distribution gas pipeline, and 16 kilometers of secondary network in the area with consumers.
"We have the most favorable price of electricity and will have the most favorable price of gas. In East Ilidža, we opened a project like this, to create a ring and enable gasification of this part," said the Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Radovan Višković.
He reminded that Republika Srpska, as well as BiH, have the privilege of paying a low price for gas thanks to the good cooperation between President Milorad Dodik and the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, and pointed out that this was especially pronounced during the coronavirus pandemic when the price of gas on the world markets reached its maximum.
"It is as if there was no corona, as if there were no sanctions. During the visit to the Russian Federation, talks were held on extending the contract. President Dodik said that he will be with President Putin until the end of the month. There is a promise from Gazprom that we will remain on the same terms, at the same price," Višković said, as reported by RTRS.
In conclusion, the successful completion of the Gas Pipeline Pale-Jahorina project marks an important milestone in the gasification efforts of Republika Srpska, providing opportunities for economic growth, energy security, and cooperation with international partners to ensure favorable gas prices for the region. The project demonstrates the commitment of the Government of Republika Srpska to investing in infrastructure development and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
