RIA Novosti quoted the Energy Ministry of Russia as saying that Russia natural gas production declined 20.8%YoY in January to June 2008 to 274.275 billion cubic meters while exports declined 54.55% to 45.523 billion cubic meters. Its gas production totaled 36.338 billion cubic meters in June, and 120.698 billion cubic meters in the second quarter, 20.1% below the planned figure. Exports in the second quarter were 29% lower than planned at 34.079 billion cubic meters.

The ministry said gas consumption in Russia declined by 11.004 billion cubic meters YoY to 237.085 billion cubic meters in January to June. Russian oil exports fell 1.87% in January to June, YoY to 122.150 million tonnes while crude supplies to Russian refineries declined 1.29% to 115.091 million tonnes.

The ministry said Russia produced 40.5 million tonnes of oil in June and 122.5 million tonnes in the second quarter.

(Source: RIA Novosti)