Belarusian banks raise dollar rate to Br17,900, euro rate to Br20,800

(updated) The Belarusian ruble continues its rapid slide.

The dollar rose by 872 Belarusian rubles to Br17,601 at the opening of trading in Minsk.

The euro grew by 1098 rubles to from Br18,837 to 19,934. The Russian rubles rose to Br247,3. Trading was closed.

Banks have already reacted to the changed situation.

Belarusky Narodny Bank raised the selling rates of the dollar and the euro to 17,900 and 20,800 Belarusian rubles respectively, nn.by reports.

The exchange rates were by 500-600 rubles lower earlier in the morning.

The dollar reached 70 Russian rubles in trading in Moscow, and the euro exchange rate exceeded 81 Russian rubles. It happens amid a decline in oil prices: Brent crude costs less than $45 a barrel and WTI crude costs less than $40 a barrel.