OREANDA-NEWS. Gazprom Neft's Board of Directors has called for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to consider payment of an interim dividend for the 6 months ended 30 June 2013.

The EGM will be held on 30 September 2013. The record date for participation in the EGM is the close of business on 25 August 2013.

The Board recommends that Gazprom Neft's shareholders approve the payment of a dividend of RUB 4.09 per share. The total amount of the dividend will be RUB 19.4 billion, equivalent to 25% of the Company's consolidated profit in the first half of 2013 (RUB 77.6 billion) as calculated under the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). If approved, the dividends will be paid out within 60 days of the resolution being passed.

This would be Gazprom Neft's first ever interim dividend payment to be approved at the Company's general meeting. The Board's proposal is in line with best practice and will allow shareholders to receive their share of profit for the first half of the year earlier than before.