Russia Gazprom cuts 2008 gas output forecast- Ifax

MOSCOW, Nov 20 (Reuters) - Russia's gas export monopoly Gazprom (GAZP.MM) has cut its gas production forecast for this year by at least 14 percent to 552-553 billion cubic metres, Interfax agency quoted a Gazprom official as saying on Thursday.

Interfax quoted head of Gazprom's production department, Alexander Kalinkin, as saying that the new forecast is based on the output as of the end of November and initial output forecast for December.

If December output proves to be less than expected, the annual production could be less than 552 bcm, he said.

"It could be less but not more, it is impossible to have more already," Kalinkin said.

Gazprom, the world's largest gas producer which provides a quarter of Europe's gas needs, produced 548.6 bcm last year. It plans to increase production to 565-570 bcm by 2010, 610-615 bcm by 2015 and 650-670 by 2020.

Gazprom's chief executive Alexei Miller and its deputy chairman Alexander Medvedev said earlier this month that Gazprom will produce as much as its customers need next year, although it has enough capacity to increase production.

Analysts have said the global financial crisis could hamper demand for the fuel in Europe. (Reporting by Tanya Mosolova)