MOSCOW, Nov 29 — Russia’s Gazprom today reported its highest ever quarterly net profit at 581.8 billion roubles (RM33 billion) for the third quarter reflecting high natural gas prices.

The Kremlin-controlled company, which a year ago suffered a loss of 251 billion roubles, benefited from record-high natural gas prices in Europe, its key source of revenue.

Gazprom shares were up by around 3 per cent in early trade in Moscow.

Gas prices have surged on tight supply amid a broad economic recovery. Some politicians and experts have blamed Gazprom for not supplying enough gas to alleviate the crisis. The company has said it meets all its obligations on supply.

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Gazprom said its average gas price in Europe and other regions jumped to US$313.40 (RM1,328) per 1,000 cubic metres in the third quarter from US$117.2 a year earlier.

Gazprom said its July to September revenue rose to 2.4 trillion roubles, also a quarterly record high, from 1.4 trillion a year earlier. — Reuters