BELARUS NEWS AND ANALYSIS

DATE:

07/09/2006

Belarussian central bank sells 360% more gold bars in 8 mths

MINSK. Sept 7 (Interfax) - The National Bank of Belarus increased sales of gold bars by 360% year-on-year to 802.9 kg in the first eight months of 2006, a source in the NBB's precious metals and stones department told Interfax.

Sales in the eight months were 140% higher than sales for all of last year.

The NBB sold 1.578 tonnes of gold bars between August 2001, when it began selling them, and September 1 this year. It bought back 103.7 kg in the period, including 75.6 kg in the first eight months of 2006.

The National Bank sells gold bars to retail customers in sizes of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1000 grams. pr

Source:

http://www.interfax.ru/e/B/finances/26.html?menu=2&id_issue=11584792