11.   Russian shipments have been halted since December amid bureaucratic disputes over the issuing of export licenses.

12.   Russian shipments could resume this week, according to Japanese traders.

13.   Stockpiles of the precious metal have fallen to critically low levels in the absence of Russian shipments.

14.   The first Russian shipments of platinum to Japan arrived Saturday after more than a six month delay, while palladium shipments began arriving a few weeks back.

15.   The first Russian shipments of the year came last month.

16.   The halt of Russian shipments of platinum and palladium in December sent prices soaring this year.

17.   The potential for higher prices remains as concern persists that the frequency of Russian shipments may not be reliable, analysts say.

18.   The resumption of Russian shipments is unlikely to satisfy consumer demand, analysts said.

19.   This has left supplies tight even after the resumption of Russian shipments.

20.   While Russian shipments could resume in the next few days, supplies are expected to remain lean for some time.