Russia's crude output down 0.7%, gas up 1.6% in 2008

MOSCOW, January 23 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's crude production in 2008 declined 0.7% year-on-year to 488 million metric tons (9.8 mln bbl/d), while natural gas output increased 1.6% to 663 billion cubic meters, the Federal Statistics Service said on Friday.

Oil production fell 0.9% year-on-year in December and increased 3.3% against last November.

Primary crude processing increased 3.2% in 2008 against the 2007 figures to 236 million tons and declined 3.9% in December year-on-year and 3.8% against last November.

Natural gas production in December declined 6.8% year-on-year and grew 5.4% month-on-month.