Gazprom confirms Europe not buying contracted gas

MOSCOW Nov 9 (Reuters) - European customers will buy 8-9 billion cubic metres less gas than foreseen by "take or pay" contracts with Gazprom (GAZP.MM) in 2009, the Russian firm said on Monday, adding it would seek penalties for lower purchases.

"These are contractual obligations and they should be met. We are not talking about cancelling (sanctions for low purchases)," deputy head of Gazprom Export, Sergei Chelpanov, told a conference call. (Reporting by Katya Golubkova, writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov, Editing by Robin Paxton)