Ice shuts down river traffic in Serbia

BELGRADE -- The Serbian government recommended new measures for conserving energy and fuel while extremely low temperatures persist; river traffic shut down.

The partially frozen Sava River in Belgrade (Tanjug)
The partially frozen Sava River in Belgrade (Tanjug)

The government advised the Ministry of Education and Science to keep all schools closed until February 17.

The government also advised all energy suppliers to appeal to consumers to conserve energy and fuel in order to prevent any restrictions, the government press office said in a release.

Local administrations are advised to pass decisions to limit use of electric energy for public lighting and neon billboards.

The government also advised state bodies, courts, private and state companies, and cultural and sports institutions to consider the possibility of extending next week's state holiday, Statehood Day, celebrated on February 15 and 16, to Friday, February 17.

The government recommended these measures based on an analysis of the energy situation in the country and the fact that extremely low temperatures are seriously jeopardizing the energy system and supply of energy and fuel

Also today in Belgrade, Serbian Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Energy Pavle Galić said that river traffic in Serbia has been banned as of Wednesday.

Galić said that the rivers Danube, Sava and Tisa are frozen and stressed that the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure will monitor the situation to ensure the safety of ships and traffic.

He expressed hope that river traffic will be re-established in about ten days.

Galić said that the two ice-breakers are engaged on the Danube, while one ice-breaker should be engaged "in Belgrade" this afternoon.