A new tender for the implementation of works on the adaptation and modernization of oil product reservoirs in Bar with complete equipment will be announced at the beginning of next week, i.e. in mid-April.
This was officially told to "Vijesti" by the Ministry of Mining, Oil and Gas, which is headed by the Minister Admir Šahmanović.
"Taking into account the duration of the tender procedure, we expect the works to be completed in early 2026, provided that there are bidders in the new tender who meet all the required conditions and criteria," the Ministry of Mining said.
This tender, for which bids could be submitted until February 12th, was announced at the end of last year, but no bids were received.
"The tender, in accordance with the Law on Public Procurement, will be published on the Montenegrin Electronic Public Procurement Portal (CEJN), which automatically has an international character. During the previous period, only companies from the region expressed interest in participating in the project, which was expected given the specificity and complexity of the works, and the fact that Montenegro has only one operational terminal and limited professional expertise in the field of construction and maintenance of oil infrastructure," the Ministry said.
As they stated, the tender procedure usually lasts several months and all conditions and criteria that bidders must meet will be clearly defined and available when the tender is announced.
"Given that no bids were received for the previous tender, it was necessary to conduct a new tender procedure. Since all necessary legal prerequisites have now been met, the new tender will be announced in mid-April. The adaptation works are scheduled to last up to nine months from the date of signing the contract with the selected bidder, although the actual implementation time is somewhat shorter. However, due to the operability of the terminal, frequent deliveries of flammable materials, increased safety requirements during the execution of the works, as well as the seasonality and complexity of the project itself, this deadline has been set," the Ministry explained.
In December last year, the Parliament adopted the Law on Security of Petroleum Supply, which is essential for the closure of Chapter 15 (Energy) and requires the formation of oil reserves. These reserves are formed and maintained for the needs of supply disruptions or emergencies.
The state plans to store oil reserves in the state-owned "Montenegrobonus" reservoirs in Bar, for whose modernization it needs to spend 1,5 million euros, out of 7,5 million allocated as a grant from the EU, while the rest of the money will be spent on purchasing oil product reserves.
The Hydrocarbons Administration and every importer of oil derivatives that imports 15.000 tons or more of unleaded gasoline and/or gas oils are required to form mandatory reserves.
Oil companies "Jugopetrol", "Ina Crna Gora" and "Petrol Crna Gora" will be obliged to form oil reserves together with the state this year and the Ministry of Mining, Oil and Gas will provide them with instructions on the quantity and structure of these reserves.
The Council held its first meeting
The legal obligation is also to form a Council for Ensuring Secure Market Supply of Petroleum Products.
This Council, chaired by Šahmanović, held its first session yesterday, at which the dynamics of future activities were agreed upon, as well as operational steps aimed at strengthening the resilience of the supply system.
"At the first session, the members of the Council discussed work priorities, with a special focus on market monitoring and regularity of supply to Montenegro and EU and/or Energy Community members, as well as on maintaining mandatory reserves and developing a crisis plan," the Ministry of Mining said in a statement.
The Council plays a key role in monitoring the situation on the petroleum products market and proposing measures to the Government in order to prevent and resolve potential supply disruptions.
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