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.

The firm Monday revealed that its third-quarter profit rose 33% to 174.6 billion rubbles ($5.75 billion) from 131.6 billion rubbles in the same period a year ago. In the three months ended Sept. 30, sales fell 8% to 770.8 billion rubbles from 839.2 billion rubbles.

Also, its operating expenses rose by 16%.

The net volumes of gas sold witnessed a fall of 17%, including a squeeze by volume of 11% in Russia, 50% in other former Soviet republics and 11% in Europe and other countries.

However, the value of the total sales reports a decrease by only 2% to 1,547bn roubles after the firm increased its prices.