According to preliminary data from state-run agency CDU TEK, gas producers in the country other than state-run monopoly Gazprom increased their output by almost 11% to 109 billion cubic metres.
Novatek has strengthened its leading position among independents, with production increasing by almost 8% to more than 33 Bcm in the period between January and June.
Meanwhile, Gazprom’s arch rival, state-controlled Rosneft, reported a 16% rise in gas production to almost 31 Bcm, as the company aims to reach a target of annual gas production of 100 Bcm by 2020.
