why is the lme rationing nickel

Obvious answer - there is a SHORTAGE of nickel.

You can't tell me that these new rules at the LME are not another name for rationing. No-one has bothered to comment on the article I posted regarding the rationing of nickel in 2008.

It will be 2010 (according to me research) before new large mines, such as Ravensthorpe, come on line to ramp up production closer to demand.

The pon has gone down because of these rationing or forced lending rules, and perhaps the increases in stockpiles are due to these new sharing rules rather than because more shipments have arrived.