The Union Steel Minister Mr. Virbhadra Singh today called for a ban on exports of iron ore aiming to conserve the precious minerals to meet the future requirement in the country. <br/><br/>Talking to reporters after the meeting of the National Steel Consumers’ Council in New Delhi, Mr. Singh said that the focus should be given on export of finished steel products in lieu of exports of iron ores. <br/><br/>In an step to restrict its exports , he said that a flat 20 per cent duty should be levied on iron ore consignments shipped out of the country.<br/><br/>The Minister also called for stabilized prices in the steel sector for the benefit of the small consumers.<br/><br/>Mr. Singh said though steel is a deregulated sector, public sector steel companies still manage to maintain some influence on its prices. He said the government will not allow steel companies to form a cartel through steel PSUs, though some influence on prices will be there.