CONSOL Energy Inc has achieved an important milestone in its Gas Division. On a gross basis, before deducting royalty volumes and joint venture volumes, the Gas Division recently achieved gas production in excess of 500 MMcf per day.

The achievement was primarily the result of the growth in the company's very successful Marcellus Shale program and the ongoing maintenance of volumes in the company's coalbed methane and conventional gas production areas.

Mr Randy Albert chief operating officer gas operations said that "Our employees deserve to be congratulated for reaching this milestone," commented. Our employees continue to excel at our top three core values of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement. Their hard work resulted in this production milestone."

CONSOL Energy, with the success in the Marcellus Shale program, is raising its fourth quarter gas production estimate to 38 to 40 Bcf.