MOSCOW, December 28. /TASS/. The artificial destruction of gas demand in Europe is taking place for the first time in the history of the global energy sector, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller said.

"We are well aware of the situation in Europe. They also set a record there. Artificial destruction of gas demand is taking place for the first time in the history of world’s energy. Just imagine, artificial destruction of demand for one of the most eco-friendly energy products. This has never been before in history. It already resulted in de-industrialization in many European countries," Miller said.

Gas consumption in non-CIS countries in Europe fell by 34 bln cubic meters to the level of 1996 within eleven months of this year, Gazprom said earlier.