Russia's gas production grew 1.8%, year-on-year, in January-March 2008 to 178.06 billion cubic meters, the Industry and Energy Ministry said on Thursday according to RIA Novosti.
Energy giant Gazprom, which produced 151.07 billion cubic meters of gas in the reporting period, or 1.7% more on last year's figure, accounted for 84.8% of Russia's total gas output, the ministry said.
Gas exports grew 24.2%, year-on -year, in January-March 2008 to 60.63 billion cu m, the ministry said.
In the ministry's estimate, gas production in Russia is expected to grow 3%, year-on-year, in 2008 to 673 billion cu m, with exports projected at 204 billion cu m.
At the same time, oil and gas condensate output in Russia declined 0.1%, year-on-year, in January-March 2008 to 121.12 million metric tons, the ministry said.
