An executive at Russian gas producer OAO Gazprom (GAZP.RS) Thursday said he was "puzzled" by reports that the company had significantly reduced supplies of natural gas to Europe .

"Our company has increased the supply of gas to the maximum not only to European countries, but also the former Soviet Union ," said Gazprom Deputy Chief Executive Alexander Medvedev in a statement.

Gazprom has reportedly been forced to lower supplies to some European countries due to high seasonal demand at home. Europe relies on Russia for around one-quarter of its gas needs.

Amid cold weather across the continent, several European countries, including Italy , Austria and Poland , say Gazprom has supplied less gas than requested in the last few days. Austria 's OMV AG (OMV.VI) said deliveries of Russian gas to the European hub at Baumgarten were down 30% Thursday.

Medvedev said Gazprom had increased the supply from European underground storage facilities fourfold. He also said Ukraine --the main transit country for Russian gas to Europe --is taking volumes "significantly" above contracted volumes.
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