National Bank of Belarus did not forbid commercial banks to raise the selling dollar rate in exchange offices by more than Br4 thousand. This was reported to Telegraph by the press service of the bank on May 16. In addition, there was informed that the chairman of the National Bank Petr Prokopovich hadn't yet come to work and was still on a sick leave.
It’s unknown when the head of the central bank would return to his duties. «I can’t say that — it is necessary to ask doctors, not us.» Petr Prokopovich is still on a sick leave, which he has regularly renewed,» said the bank employee.
However, it appeared that the chairman of the National Bank was still present at work on May 16, but «again took sick leave» after a while.
Earlier it was reported that Petr Prokopovich had been discharged from hospital after more than a month — he had a complicated heart surgery done.
Dollar Rate Rose at Stock Exchange to Br3.12
According to foreign currencies trade at the Belarusian Currency and Stock Exchange on May 16, dollar rate rose by Br36 to Br3.12 thousand — a historic peak.
In addition, the Russian ruble grew by Br0.21 to Br110.95 and the euro — by Br5 thousand to Br4.413 thousand.
Belarusian ruble fell by 0.49% against a basket of currencies compared with the previous value. Value of the basket has updated the maximum, too, and has amounted to Br1.151.75.
Belarusian ruble has fallen by 9.2% to a basket of currencies since January 1, 2011, against the dollar — 4%, the Russian ruble — 12.71%, against the euro — 11.10%.
Corridor of fluctuations of the Belarusian ruble has extended from + / — 8% to 12% against a basket of currencies since May 12.
As Telegraf previously reported, after the lifting by the National Bank of restrictions on currency exchange rate for currency sales to people, all commercial banks carried out an actual devaluation of the Belarusian ruble by about 30% by May 12 and began to sell dollars at the rate of up to $4 thousand.
However, it was reported that the National Bank didn’t lift its restrictions fully and strongly recommended commercial banks to keep the dollar at the level of not more than Br4 thousand.
As a source in banking circles reported to Telegraf, in the event of cancellation by the National Bank of its last recommendation, Belarusian commercial banks are willing to sell dollars at $5 thousand. However, all the country’s banks set the dollar selling rate at Br4 thousand on the morning of May 16.
