Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated current and former workers of the oil and gas industry on their professional holiday and called on them to explore promising fields, including in the Arctic, the Kremlin press service reported on September 4.

"Today, the workers of the sector have to fulfill serious, in-demand tasks, related to exploring promising fields, including in the Arctic, ensuring reliability and environmental safety of the industry's infrastructure, implementing the latest technology, and maintaining a sustainable consumer supply both in Russia, and abroad," the presidential message of congratulations reads.