26 Jan 2010 17:37

European consumers take 12.3% less gas in 2009

MOSCOW. Jan 26 (Interfax) - European consumers reduced their gas uptake under long-term contracts by 12.3% in 2009, Gazprom said.

"Gas supply on the European market exceeded demand considerably, resulting in a 12.3%-reduction in the uptake of gas under long-contracts compared to 2008," representatives of the Russian gas giant told reporters.

Gazprom supplied tentatively 140.2 bcm of gas to Europe last year.

Gazprom plans to supply 160.8 bcm of gas to non-CIS consumers in 2010, rising to 163.5 bcm in 2011 and 170.9 bcm in 2012.