Medvedev announced further sales of foreign currency to support the ruble – RBC

Russian Prime Minister during a visit to the island of Etorofu

Photo: TASS

During the trip to the Kuril Islands, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said that the additional currency sale exporters will be able to strengthen the ruble exchange rate.

«Of course, we will help as well, I mean governments, central banks in the sense of obtaining the additional inflow of foreign exchange earnings. In the near future, I think there will be more foreign exchange sales from our exporters currency, which will also affect the quotes of the ruble, “- quoted premiere of RIA Novosti.

He also said that the government and the central bank taking action in this direction. “I was meeting with exporters, the Central Bank also with them on a regular basis, constantly working in the mode of constant sales, which they carry out. They know it, so work will continue, “- said Medvedev.

Asked about the return if the government and the Central Bank to monitor the foreign currency proceeds, Medvedev replied that they did not leave, this control There was a constant. “No … we do not weaken this control is not going to continue to weaken, because it’s really fundamental things that affect the state of the economy”, – assured the prime minister.

The exchange rate of the dollar on Friday, August 21 , ascended on high to the level of 69.07 rubles. and exceeded by 1 ruble. 12 kopecks. the closing level of the previous trading day. The exchange rate of the euro on Friday reached a maximum level of 78.49 rubles. At these levels, the ruble last traded in late January – early February 2015.

Experts attribute the weakening of the ruble to the fall in world oil prices. Futures of North Sea Brent crude oil fell on Friday to $ 45.15 per barrel. This is more than 3.1% lower than the previous day. Futures for WTI crude oil fell on Friday to $ 39.89 per barrel. Oil prices dropped below this mark of $ 40 a barrel for the first time since Feb. 24, 2009.

The period of the ruble continued from February to May 2015. The Russian currency has reached a level below 49 rubles. the dollar and below 53 rubles. per euro. But then it began a new period of the fall of the ruble, which has accelerated the pace due to the reduction in price of oil on world markets.