Nedeljko Elek, director of "Sarajevo Gas" in Istocno Sarajevo, confirmed to N1 that gas valves have been shut off for consumers in both Sarajevo and Istocno Sarajevo. This development comes after mutual accusations between "Energoinvest" and "Sarajevo Gas" Istocno Sarajevo.

Elek claims that “Energoinvest” refused to accept an invoice, while “Energoinvest” argues that the relevant regulator has mandated that current prices are valid only from January 1 of the following year.

Mirza Ustamujic, acting director of “Energoinvest,” stated in an interview with N1 that during the last meeting of the entity governments and relevant regulatory bodies, it was agreed that the gas regulator from the Republika Srpska (RS) would have the final say on pricing.

“The agreement from the last meeting was to obtain the necessary permits from the RS regulator. Elek stated that he did not receive these papers, or that the paper he received indicated that the price would be valid from January 1, 2025. This means that we were right and that Elek must return the funds. Currently, the price is 100% higher than the last regulated price,” Ustamujic said.

“Energoinvest” has called on the State Investigation and Protection Agency (SIPA) and the relevant prosecutor's office to investigate the matter.

“We have no confirmation that Sarajevo Gas East Sarajevo has the regulator’s permission to carry out this activity because there is no information on their website showing they are authorized. When we asked for this information, we did not receive it. Our message after these extortions is that this case will require the involvement of the prosecutor's office, OSA BiH, SIPA, and other state bodies,” Ustamujic added.

In response, Nedeljko Elek told N1 that the core issue is “Energoinvest” not having the funds to pay the invoice. Regarding the call for SIPA and the prosecutor's office to get involved, Elek commented, “Let SIPA and the Prosecutor's Office turn on the gas.”

Elek concluded by stating that they have prepared adequate amounts of fuel oil.