Russia will retain leading positions on the world grain market despite a ban on grain export until the end of the year, a first deputy prime minister said.

"I would like to stress: the ban is temporary, so we have all grounds to retain, in the long term, the leading positions on the international grain market," Viktor Zubkov told government daily Rossiiskaya Gazeta.

The government imposed a ban on the export of grain from August 15 to December 31, after abnormally hot and dry weather destroyed the grain harvest in almost 11 million hectares of land across central Russia.

Zubkov said export suspension "is not a unique measure." Such decisions are envisioned by international trade practice, he said.

"This decision is fully adequate to the condition of both the Russian and world markets of grain crops. It has allowed the government to take the situation under control," he said.

Earlier Zubkov said Russia may revise its ban on grain exports after October 1, when the size of the harvest volumes becomes clearer.
sections: Economics, World News