Gazprom, Rosneft Denied Rumors

Russian gas monopoly Gazprom and state oil firm Rosneft on Tuesday denied rumors about a conflict between their top managements over the delayed deal of their merger, saying the merger was on track.

"Both companies have supported and support the decision of the Russian government to increase the state's stake in Gazprom to a controlling one, with the subsequent liberalisation of Gazprom's share market," the firms said in a joint statement.