April 15, National Bank of Belarus has suspended the sale of bars of precious metals (gold, silver, platinum) for Belarusian rubles. The National Bank has explained that currently the precious metals can only be bought for dollars. At the same time, the redemption of bars is made in Belarusian rubles.
The National Bank notes that purchases of precious metals (gold) by legal entities have significantly grown. They took the gold from Belarus abroad and sold it there for the currency, BelTA informs.
These restrictions will operate in Belarus «until the situation in the foreign exchange market is normalized,» explained the National Bank.
As Telegraf previously reported, there was a shortage of certified diamonds and gold bars weighing from 100 grams to a kilogram in Belarus in late March — early April. Experts attribute this to its increased demand due to falling public confidence in the ruble.
