Russia Ups Oil Production 2.4%, Gas 1% in 2005

MOSCOW. Jan 10 (Interfax) – Russia produced 470.196 million tonnes of oil and gas condensate in 2005, which was 2.4% more than in 2004 and the country’s highest showing since 1991, the Industry and Energy Ministry said.

The ministry said Russia produced 40.8 million tonnes of crude in December alone.

Oil exports fell, though, by 1% to 251 million tonnes in 2005. Russia exported 20.474 million tonnes of oil in December.

Russian gas extraction grew 1% last year to 640.63 billion cubic meters (bcm). Russia produced 59.107 bcm in December.

Gazprom, Russia’s gas monopoly, increased gas production 0.8% to 547.249 bcm in 2005.

Russian gas exports rose 8% last year to 152.477 bcm. Russia exported 15.87 bcm in December.

Primary oil refining at Russian refineries rose 6.5% to 206.836 million tonnes of crude in 2005.