URGENT: Gazprom net proceeds from natural gas sales in 1H05 up 31%

MOSCOW, November 25 (RIA Novosti) - Russian energy giant Gazprom's net proceeds from natural gas sales in the first six months of 2005 increased by 31%, or 116.9 billion rubles ($4.1 billion), to 495.9 billion rubles ($17.3 billion), the company's press service said Friday. Net proceeds were up mainly due to a growth in average prices for natural gas sold to European consumers, as well as a 3% growth in gas sales.