Russian gas industry is one of the main constituents of Russian economy secondary sector, it has not only high potential for enhancing its own competitiveness, but can in prospect create positive external effects upon other branches of Russian economy. Russia’s WTO accession, membership in GECF, as well as leading positions on world oil and gas markets stipulates the topicality of Russian gas industry competitive advantages research and determination. It should be stressed that international energy projects are subject of engagement of the largest domestic and foreign MNCs, where Russian companies have traditionally got leading positions. The article presents an analysis of the key European gas market issues for Russian exporters, and suggests a way of using Russian gas extracting companies’ natural competitive advantage – access to domestic natural gas reserves – for increasing economic efficiency of participation in international gas storage projects.

Inter alia the article focuses on the following issues, crucial for the export potential of Russian gas industry: gas market fluctuations in EU member states amid world financial crisis, price margin distribution in gas selling to the final consumer, Russian-European cooperation prospects, including joint transportation and storage projects.

The stability of oil and gas shares in fuel balances of EU member states amid world financial crisis was proved. However, it shall be highlighted, that gas share in fuel balance of Germany (the largest foreign market for Russian gas exports) grew up by 1,5 p.p., while that of oil reduced by 0,1 p.p.

Margin analysis showed an overwhelming preeminence of distribution and tax shares in gas price for final consumers, while margin, got by Russian exporters, constitutes only 20-25%.

Mutually beneficial economic cooperation can become a solid ground for developing joint transportation and storage projects in gas sector of Europe.