Republika Srpska set to increase Russian gas procurement - president

MOSCOW. Feb 26 (Interfax) - Industries of Republika Srpska need gas, so Banja Luka plans to increase gas procurement from Russia, Republika Srpska president Miroslav Dodik, said in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia published on Monday.

"We are satisfied [...] with the [gas] price, and we have agreements respected on both sides. [...] We have started making payments in rubles. [...] Our industry is in need for gas. Additionally, gas remains the most stable type of energy, so we intend to increase amounts of supplied gas," Dodik said.

"A gas pipeline goes through the territory of Republika Srpska. We will see how much we can increase its capacity," he said.

Izvestia asked Dodik about the construction of a gas pipeline from Serbia, by which Moscow and Banja Luka wish to increase Russian gas imports through TurkStream, and two gas power plants. "Owing to partnership with the Russian Federation, Republika Srpska is able to supply the population with cheaper gas," he replied.

"Western Europe could have also benefited from that, yet Sarajevo has been blocking the decision for the past 15 years. [...] Indeed, the project remains on our agenda and we keep looking for ways to implement it. Still, I [...] am not optimistic," Dodik said.