OREANDA-NEWS. Fitch Ratings today changed OAO Gazprom's Outlook to Positive from Stable. Its local and foreign currency Issuer Default ratings and senior unsecured ratings are affirmed at 'BBB-' (BBB minus).

The revised Outlook is based on government support for a plan proposed by the industry and energy ministry to liberalize the country's power and gas prices by 2011 in a bid to raise energy efficiency.

The Positive Outlook foresees improving prospects for the company's business profile, capitalizing on strengthening financial results that should materialize from more liberalized domestic gas prices from 2008.