LONDON, July 29. /ITAR-TASS/. Fitch Ratings has affirmed Russian energy giant Gazprom's long-term foreign and local currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at BBB, the international rating agency reported on Tuesday.

The outlook is negative and capped by Russia's sovereign outlook, the rating agency said.

Fitch also affirmed Gazprom’s foreign currency senior unsecured rating at BBB, short-term foreign currency IDR at F3 and national long-term rating at AAA(rus).

“Gazprom's ratings reflect our forecasts that Gazprom will remain a vital gas supplier to Europe despite competitive and political pressures,” Fitch said in a statement.