Gazprom’s profits in the first half of the year accounted more than 675 billion rubles (£6.75bn)

That’s an annual growth of 50%, according to the company.

The Russian gas giant’s total sales during the same period have reached 2,913 billion rubles (£29,13bn).

In a statement, it said the results follow an increase in gas sales to Europe and other countries and the “exchange rates of the Russian Ruble against foreign currencies”.

Sales of gas in Europe and other countries rose to 946 billion rubles (£9.4bn).

The company added that a 56% of sales operations have been in Europe.