In the near future MMC "Norilsk Nickel" plans to cut down palladium sales in order to increase the price for this particular metal.

According to the press-centre of "Norilsk Nickel", the price on palladium fell down by more than 200% during last six months, from over thousand US Dollars per Troy ounce in January 2001, down to 441 USD now.

Taking into account the fact that palladium is mostly used in automotive industry (catalysts production), this price fall could be due to the recent over-production of metal and the decreased consumer interest in cars.

As a reference, "Norilsk Nickel" world's third largest nickel, cobalt and platinum group metals producer, producing more than 20% world's nickel, 40% palladium, 24% platinum and 20% rhodium.