MOSCOW, October 26. /TASS/. Russia ranks first globally in terms of natural gas reserves and second by its production, the presidential press service told reporters.

"Our country is world’s first by natural gas reserves and second by production, has the developed infrastructure and considerable technological groundwork. Gradual diversification of supplies to the East continues," the Kremlin said.

Russia considers important to counter creation of barriers on the path of the free exchange of energy resources and to protect the critical gas infrastructure, the press service added.