Tripoli | Economic Follow-up – The US dollar continued its rise against the Libyan dinar in the parallel market during trading on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, closing in the capital Tripoli at a level of 9.055 dinars, while trading in exchange offices saw a slight increase, pushing the price to 9.07 dinars.
In other cities, the closing price in Zliten reached 9.065 dinars, the same price recorded in Benghazi and Ajdabiya, reflecting the continued slight disparity between regions.
As for other foreign currencies, the euro rose to 10.475 dinars, while the British pound recorded a relative increase to 11.85 dinars.
In the precious metals market, the price per gram of 18-carat scrap gold saw a noticeable increase, closing at 1010 dinars. Meanwhile, prices for foreign remittances reached levels close to cash rates, with the dollar rate for remittances to Turkey at 9.045 dinars, while Dubai remittances were recorded at 9.065 dinars.
Central Bank Decision to Lower Official Exchange Rate
This rise in the parallel market coincided with an important decision issued by the Central Bank of Libya, which involves devaluing the Libyan dinar by 14.7% against the Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) unit.
Under the decision, the dinar’s value became 0.1150 SDR units instead of 0.1348 units, stabilizing the new official price at around 6.40 dinars per US dollar.
Observers believe this step aims to narrow the price gap and achieve financial balance. However, the parallel market reacted quickly with an increase in “cash” prices, reflecting a state of caution and anticipation among traders and dealers in the banking sector.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, with a history dating back to the 7th century BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. It later became a significant Roman city and a major port under various rulers, including the Ottomans and Italians, which is reflected in its historic medina and Red Castle (Assaraya al-Hamra).
Zliten
Zliten is a coastal city in northwestern Libya, historically known for its Roman-era ruins such as the Villa of Omira, which features well-preserved mosaics. It is also renowned for the Zliten Mosque, a significant religious and architectural site that dates back to the medieval period and is associated with the Sufi saint Sidi Abd as-Salam al-Asmar.
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 the 2011 Libyan Revolution and has been a key site of political and military conflict in the country’s recent history.
Ajdabiya
Ajdabiya is a city in northeastern Libya, historically significant as a major crossroads for trans-Saharan trade routes and a center for the Senussi religious movement in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It later became a key strategic location during the Libyan Civil War in 2011.
Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, with a rich history as the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Its cultural heritage is exemplified by iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, a monumental structure that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and now a museum. Modern Turkey was founded as a republic in 1923 by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.
Dubai
Dubai is a major global city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, historically known as a small fishing and pearling village. Its modern transformation began with the discovery of oil in the 1960s, but it has since strategically diversified into a hub for tourism, finance, and trade, renowned for iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and artificial islands.
Central Bank of Libya
The Central Bank of Libya is the primary monetary authority of Libya, established in 1956 following the country’s independence. It has played a critical and often contentious role in the nation’s economy, particularly during and after the 2011 revolution, when competing governments in the east and west claimed control over its assets and functions.
Libyan dinar
The Libyan dinar is the official currency of Libya, introduced in 1971 to replace the Libyan pound. Its issuance is managed by the Central Bank of Libya, and its history is closely tied to the country’s political and economic changes following the discovery of oil.
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 1944.
euro
The Euro is the official currency of the Eurozone, which consists of 20 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It was introduced in non-physical form in 1999 and as physical banknotes and coins in 2002, representing a major step in European economic integration. Its creation was driven by the goal of fostering stability, economic cooperation, and a unified identity within the participating nations.
British pound
The British pound, officially known as pound sterling, is the world’s oldest currency still in use, with origins tracing back to Anglo-Saxon times. It was historically linked to a pound weight of silver and became a major global reserve currency, with its modern decimal system introduced in 1971.
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.
gold
Gold is a precious metal that has been highly valued across human civilizations for millennia, often used in currency, jewelry, and art. Historically, major gold rushes, such as those in California and Australia, have spurred significant migration and economic development. Culturally, it is deeply symbolic, representing wealth, power, and divinity in many societies.
