LNG

April 27 (LNGJ) - Gazprom posted net annual profits of $44 billion. Total gas sales increased by 29 percent, driven by enhanced global demand, increasing both the average prices and sales volumes, it said. The Russian energy giant said gas consumption is expected to grow in all its target markets, including LNG."Gazprom plans to complete a number of strategic tasks, including the maintenance of production at existing fields and an active development of new gas production centres in the Yamal peninsula, offshore areas of northern seas, in Eastern Siberia and Far East. By leveraging its inherent strengths, ensuring sustained strong performance from core natural gas sales and by targeting specific new areas for growth such as Asia-Pacific LNG and a wider portfolio, Gazprom has every reason to be confident about the future," the Russian company said in its earnings statement.