Bar’s citizens have consistently opposed the development of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and a gas power plant at the Port of Bar, according to Branislav Nenezić, the President of the Bar Municipal Assembly and a member of the Social Democrats (SD) in the Montenegrin Parliament.
Nenezić responded to comments from Admira Šahmanović, the Minister of Mining, Oil, and Gas, who argued that the Adriatic-Ionian Pipeline (IAP) and the LNG terminal in Bar are vital for Montenegro’s future. Šahmanović claimed that the strategic location of the Port of Bar on the Adriatic Sea could transform it into a regional energy hub for LNG distribution throughout the Western Balkans and beyond.
Nenezić criticized Šahmanović for being misinformed and overly focused on self-promotion. He suggested that the minister’s limited understanding of the LNG terminal project is a result of the recent government restructuring, which, according to Nenezić, has left him inadequately informed.
He argued that if Šahmanović had fully reviewed the LNG terminal plans, he would not have committed to a project that negatively impacts the residents of Bar, who have opposed it through democratic processes.
Nenezić highlighted that Bar residents have repeatedly rejected the LNG terminal and gas power plant. He also noted the contradiction in Šahmanović’s support for the project while recognizing the EU’s directive to phase out fossil fuels by 2050.
Nenezić referred to a May 10 meeting with investors and the relevant ministry, where it was confirmed that not involving local representatives and the public from the start was a mistake. He accused previous governments of deliberately concealing project details to present it as an accomplished fact to Bar’s residents.
At the meeting, Nenezić and others received a brief presentation a year after the signing of a memorandum requiring a cost-benefit analysis and environmental impact study. He noted that representatives from interested companies expressed a “willingness” to engage in discussions, which should have occurred much earlier.
Nenezić concluded by reaffirming their strong opposition to the LNG terminal and gas power plant projects, emphasizing that such developments would benefit other countries while posing risks of explosions, environmental damage, and harming Bar’s tourism potential, along with imposing financial burdens on Montenegrin citizens.
