Russia's first-half oil exports and gas production up

Russian crude oil exports went up 0.5% (by 295,210 metric tons) to reach 62.856 million metric tons in the first half of 1999, compared to the same period last year, said a source close to the customs service.
Meanwhile, export revenues totalled $ 4.8114 billion, a 6.2% decrease (down $ 321.42 million) from the corresponding figure for the first half of 1998.

According to the Russian Fuel and Energy Ministry, natural gas production in Russia grew by 0.6% to 303.2 billion cubic meters in the first six months of 1999.
Oil extraction and refining declined by 0.3% and 0.2% to 150 million and 80.8 million metric tons, respectively, as compared to 1998.