Putin Extends Ban on Russian Grain Exports

Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin announced Thursday that Russia’s ban on grain exports, which was adopted last month after a severe drought and heat wave depressed the harvest, would be extended well into next year because of continued uncertainty over production.

By CLIFFORD J. LEVY

Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin announced Thursday that Russia’s ban on grain exports, which was adopted last month after a severe drought and heat wave depressed the harvest, would be extended well into next year because of continued uncertainty over production.

Since rebounding from inefficient Soviet policies, Russia has played an increasingly important role in the world grain market, and the decision to ban exports last month caused a jolt that helped to drive up prices. But with production suffering because of record temperatures, Mr. Putin declared that the country had no choice.

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