As was confirmed by both the parties involved on Friday, Germany's E. ON Ruhrgas, which is one of Europe's biggest and top-ranked gas buyers from Russia, has officially completed talks on more flexible and easy gas purchasing contracts with Gazprom, the state export company.

Russian natural-gas energy giant Gazprom has announced its profit to narrow by 34% after the firm continued to be wounded by the higher cost of buying gas.

Gazprom reported that it sold less gas to all the geographical regions it serves.

Moscow - The head of Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom said Tuesday that technical preparations had begun to shut down gas flows to Ukraine, as pressure mounts over non-payments by Kiev one day before the New Year deadline.

Moscow - Russian export monopoly Gazprom pledged Monday to honour contracts for gas deliveries to European consumers despite an impasse in negotiations with Ukraine to recoup debt arrears or see supplies cut.

Moscow/Kiev - Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom and Ukraine's Naftogaz have made no progress on an agreement over two billion dollars in non-payments for imports by Kiev ahead of a New Year's deadline for gas cuts, a spokesman for Gazprom said Wednesday.

Moscow - Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom Monday warned European customers of a potential shortage in gas supplies, as it has hit a deadlock in a pricing dispute with Ukraine.