41.   Russian exports of platinum and palladium have been halted since December.

42.   Russian exports of the metal this year were halted until late July because of bureaucratic disputes over control of export licenses.

43.   Russian exports resumed two weeks ago, although they may not be large enough to satisfy consumer demand.

44.   Russian law enforcement agencies notified her recently that INOR and eight other companies are under investigation for possible violations of Russian export laws.

45.   Speculation that Russian exports of precious metals will take longer to reach consumers, such as automakers and electronics manufacturers, drove platinum and palladium prices higher.

46.   That rebuilding process now is threatened as Russian exports have not yet started to flow this year.

47.   The absence of Russian exports this year forced manufacturers to withdraw the metals from stockpiles.

48.   The agreement removed quotas restricting the quantity of Russian exports to the EU, except for some textile and steel products and aimed to phase out tariffs.

49.   The drop in world oil prices has hurt Russian exports and deprived the government of badly needed revenue.

50.   The delivery ended a seven-month halt of Russian exports caused by bureaucratic disputes over control of export licenses.