MOSCOW, March 5 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's crude production declined 0.5%, year-on-year, in January to 41.35 million metric tons (830,000 bbl/d) while gas production went up 0.8% to 61.19 billion cubic meters, the industry and energy ministry said on Wednesday.

Russia exported 20.46 million metric tons of oil (410,000 bbl/d) in January, or 1.7% more compared to the same period last year, the ministry said.

Energy giant Gazprom accounted for 84.4% of natural gas output in Russia in January 2008, producing 51.62 billion cubic meters, or 0.2% more compared to the same period last year, the ministry said.