Putin instructs govt to consider export restrictions on number of goods, including uranium, titanium, nickel, though not to detriment of country's economy

MOSCOW. Sept 11 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to analyze the possibility of restricting exports of strategic raw materials, such as uranium, nickel, titanium and a number of others, though not to the detriment of the country's economy.

"Russia is the leader in reserves of a number of strategic raw materials, namely natural gas that is nearly 22% of the world's reserves, gold at nearly 23%, and diamonds at nearly 55%. Mikhail Vladimirovich [Prime Minister Mishustin], I have a request for you to look, please, at some types of goods that we supply in large quantities to the world market. Supplies of a number of goods are limited to us, but maybe we should also think about certain restrictions; uranium, titanium, nickel. Just do not do anything to our detriment," Putin said at a meeting with members of the cabinet of ministers on Wednesday.

Putin said that, "Strategic reserves are being created in some countries, and some other measures are being taken."

"In general, if this will not harm us, then we could think - I am not saying that we need to do this tomorrow - think about certain restrictions on deliveries to the foreign market, not only of the goods that I have named, but also of some others," Putin said.