Russia would not tie itself by OPEC membership

Russia's entry in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries would limit Moscow's capability for securing stability and predictability of the oil market, Vice-Premier Victor Khristenko said.

Russia is not only a major producer but also a major consumer of raw hydrocarbons and as nobody else can understand the producers' and consumers' interests, he explained.

"Russia is extremely interested in stable oil and gas market. It is achieved through mutual respect for the interests of both producers and consumers", Victor Khristenko said.

To this end Russia makes use of different forms and instruments and would not tie itself by participation in only one organisation, Khristenko said.