Libya’s currency market, at the close of trading on Sunday, February 15, 2026, witnessed a record and unprecedented rise in the exchange rate of the US dollar against bank checks, climbing by about 23 qirsh. This continues the upward trend that has dominated the market since the recent decisions issued by the Central Bank of Libya.
With this increase, prices surpassed the 11 dinar barrier for the first time in a decade, driven by the recent wave of increases and heightened demand for the dollar, while slight differences persist between bank prices in Tripoli and Benghazi.
📊 Dollar prices in checks at market close
Buying and selling prices in a number of banks were as follows:
| Bank | Selling Price (Dinar) | Buying Price (Dinar) |
|---|---|---|
| Commerce & Development / Al-Wahda (Tripoli) | 11.030 | 11.0275 |
| Development / Al-Wahda (Benghazi) | 11.000 | 10.9975 |
| Al-Jumhouria / National Commercial / Al-Aman | 11.020 | 11.0175 |
| Al-Sahari / Al-Waha / Islamic / North Africa | 11.010 | 11.0075 |
| Al-Muttahid / Al-Nouran / Al-Saray | 11.000 | 10.9975 |
This movement in the parallel market coincides with the Central Bank of Libya’s announcement of devaluing the dinar by 14.7% against the Special Drawing Rights (SDR) unit, bringing the dinar’s value to 0.1150 SDR instead of 0.1348 SDR. The new official rate has settled at around 6.40 dinars per US dollar.
This decision is considered one of the most prominent factors that have pushed prices in the parallel market to record high levels in recent days.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution. The country is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the ruins of Leptis Magna, which testify to its significant historical legacy.
US dollar
The US dollar is the official currency of the United States, established by the Coinage Act of 1792. It evolved from a system based on Spanish milled dollars and has become the world’s primary reserve currency since the Bretton Woods agreement in the mid-20th century.
Central Bank of Libya
The Central Bank of Libya is the country’s primary monetary authority, established in 1956 to issue currency and manage monetary policy. It has played a critical and often divisive role in Libya’s recent history, notably functioning as a unified financial institution during the post-2011 civil war period despite the country’s political fragmentation.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, located on the country’s Mediterranean coast. Historically, it was founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BC and has since been ruled by the Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, and Italians, serving as a major port and cultural crossroads. Its historic center, the medina, features ancient architecture like the Arch of Marcus Aurelius and the Red Castle (Assai al-Hamra).
Benghazi
Benghazi is a major city in eastern Libya, historically significant as a center of trade and culture since its founding as the Greek colony of Euesperides. It played a pivotal role in Libya’s modern history, serving as a co-capital and a focal point during the 2011 revolution.
Commerce & Development Bank
The Commerce & Development Bank (CDB) is a major financial institution in Yemen, originally established in 1982 as the Yemen Bank for Reconstruction and Development. It was later reorganized and rebranded to its current name, playing a significant role in the country’s commercial and developmental financing sectors.
Al-Wahda Bank
Al-Wahda Bank is a commercial bank based in Libya, originally established in 1970 as the Arab Foreign Bank before being nationalized and renamed in 1981. It operates as one of the country’s major financial institutions, providing a range of banking services and playing a significant role in the Libyan economy throughout its history.
Al-Jumhouria Bank
Al-Jumhouria Bank is a major state-owned commercial bank in Syria, originally established in 1967. It was formed through the nationalization and merger of several private banks, playing a central role in the country’s financial system and economic development.
National Commercial Bank
The National Commercial Bank (NCB) is a major financial institution in Saudi Arabia, founded in 1953. It holds the distinction of being the kingdom’s first licensed bank and has played a central role in the country’s economic development and modernization.
Al-Aman Bank
Al-Aman Bank is a Jordanian financial institution established in 2010, notable for being the first bank in the country dedicated to providing Islamic banking services in compliance with Sharia principles. It was founded to meet growing demand for Sharia-compliant financial products and operates as a subsidiary of Jordan Dubai Islamic Bank.
Al-Sahari Bank
Al-Sahari Bank is a prominent financial institution in Yemen, historically known for its role in facilitating trade and economic activity within the country. It was established to support local commerce and has been a significant part of Yemen’s modern banking sector.
Al-Waha Bank
Al-Waha Bank is a financial institution based in Libya, established in the late 20th century as part of the country’s economic development. It operates as a commercial bank, providing a range of services and playing a role in the local and national banking sector.
Islamic Bank
The Islamic Bank is a financial institution that operates in accordance with Sharia (Islamic law), which prohibits interest (riba) and speculative activities. Its modern history began in the 1970s with the establishment of pioneering institutions like the Islamic Development Bank, aiming to provide ethical financial services rooted in Islamic principles. Today, it represents a significant and growing sector within global finance.
North Africa Bank
The North Africa Bank is a regional financial institution established to promote economic development and integration across North African countries. It was founded to facilitate investment in infrastructure, energy, and private sector projects, supporting stability and growth in the region.
Al-Muttahid Bank
Al-Muttahid Bank is a commercial bank in Yemen, established in 2003 through the merger of the Yemeni branches of the International Bank of Yemen and the National Bank of Yemen. It represents a significant consolidation in the country’s financial sector, aiming to create a stronger domestic banking institution.
Al-Nouran Bank
Al-Nouran Bank is a financial institution based in Egypt, primarily known for offering Sharia-compliant banking services. It was established to provide an alternative to conventional banking, operating in accordance with Islamic financial principles which prohibit interest and focus on profit-sharing and asset-backed transactions.
Al-Saray Bank
Al-Saray Bank is a historic commercial building located in the heart of Baghdad, Iraq. It was originally constructed in the late 19th century during the Ottoman era and served as a key financial and administrative center. The building is an architectural landmark that reflects the city’s historical significance as a hub for trade and commerce.
Special Drawing Rights
Special Drawing Rights (SDR) is an international reserve asset created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1969 to supplement its member countries’ official reserves. Its value is based on a basket of five major currencies: the U.S. dollar, euro, Chinese renminbi, Japanese yen, and British pound sterling.
