MOSCOW, November 14 (RIA Novosti) - Cash dollars held by the Russian population totals an estimated $30 billion, the Central Bank of Russia said Tuesday.
"I believe the figure is close to $30 billion," said Alexei Ulyukayev, first CBR deputy chairman.
The Federal Reserve System earlier put the figure at $80 billion.
Ulyukayev also said he disagreed with the FRS's view that the amount of cash dollars in Russia is on the rise.
He said that during the current year, the CBR has been observing a de-dollarization of the Russian economy, with dollars being replaced not by euros but by rubles.
He said de-dollarization will be further encouraged by the issue of a 5,000-ruble ($190) denomination banknote.
The new 5,000-ruble note entered circulation on July 31, 2006.
The CBR said earlier the launch of the note "reflected the economic situation in Russia, characterized by growth in the population's income."
