The gross international reserves of the Central Bank showed a decrease in the month of August of 2.9% when compared to December 1995, according to its balance sheet. The total of the reserves last month stood at US$512.7 million, while in December 1995 they totalled US$528.5 million. The reserves have been decreasing during the last three months, although the reasons for this are unknown. The Central Bank is covering the imports of petroleum and its derivatives at an average of US$48 million per month.