MOSCOW, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Russia is ready to increase gas supplies to Europe if requested, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Wednesday.
Speaking at the Russian Energy Week, Novak said Europe's rejection of Russian gas has negatively impacted the region's economy.
"Russia has always maintained that we are ready and open to dialogue," he said when asked whether Moscow would consider increasing gas deliveries to Europe if requested.
Novak added that Russia has always agreed to additional gas supplies to Europe to cover its needs during autumn and winter, even if it was not economically profitable.
Russian gas supplies to Europe account for about 19 percent of the EU's energy imports, down from around 44 percent previously, he said. ■
