As trading closed on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Libya’s currency market saw a continuation of jumps in the exchange rate of the US dollar against bank checks. The American currency rose by 10 qirsh, remaining above the 10 dinars level and confirming its upward trajectory.
📊 Dollar Prices in Bank Checks at Market Close
Trading observed a slight variation between banks in different Libyan cities, with prices as follows:
| Bank | Selling Price (Dinar) | Buying Price (Dinar) |
|---|---|---|
| Commerce & Development / Al-Wahda (Tripoli) | 10.520 | 10.5175 |
| Development / Al-Wahda (Benghazi) | 10.530 | 10.5275 |
| Al-Jumhouria / National Commercial / Al-Aman | 10.510 | 10.5075 |
| Al-Sahari / Al-Waha / Islamic / North Africa | 10.500 | 10.4975 |
| Al-Muttahid / Al-Nouran / Al-Saray | 10.490 | 10.4875 |
Central Bank’s Decision to Lower the Exchange Rate
The dollar’s rise in the parallel market coincided with an announcement by the Central Bank of Libya of a new adjustment to the Libyan dinar’s exchange rate, devaluing it by 14.7% against the Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) unit.
According to the decision, the dinar’s value became 0.1150 Special Drawing Rights instead of 0.1348 units, stabilizing the new official rate at around 6.40 dinars per US dollar.
Reading the Situation
- Analysts view the Central Bank’s move as aiming to reduce the gap between the official and parallel market rates and achieve a degree of financial balance.
- However, the parallel market reacted quickly with an increase in check prices, reflecting a state of caution and anticipation among traders and dealers.
- Expectations indicate that fluctuations will continue in the coming days as the market remains under pressure from internal and external factors.
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history that includes ancient Phoenician and Greek settlements, most notably at Cyrene, and later Roman rule. It was part of the Ottoman Empire before Italian colonization in the early 20th century, gaining independence as a kingdom in 1951. The nation’s modern history was dominated by Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 civil war and his overthrow.
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 precious metals to a fiat currency, and its global reserve status was solidified following the Bretton Woods agreements in the mid-20th century.
Central Bank of Libya
The Central Bank of Libya is the primary monetary authority of Libya, established in 1956 to issue currency and manage the country’s financial reserves. Its history has been deeply affected by political conflict, particularly since 2011, leading to periods where rival governments have claimed control over separate branches of the institution.
Libyan dinar
The Libyan dinar is the official currency of Libya, introduced in 1971 to replace the Libyan pound. It was established following the 1969 revolution that brought Muammar Gaddafi to power, symbolizing a move toward national economic independence.
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.
Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, historically founded in the 7th century BCE by the Phoenicians. It later became a significant Roman city and a major center under various rules, including the Ottomans and Italians, which is reflected in its diverse architecture like the ancient Medina and Red Castle.
Benghazi
Benghazi is a major city in eastern Libya, historically significant as a key trade hub and cultural center since its founding as the ancient Greek colony of Euesperides. It played a central role in Libya’s 2011 revolution and has long been an important economic and political focal point for the region.
Commerce & Development Bank
The Commerce & Development Bank (CDB) is a major financial institution in Yemen, founded in 1982. It has played a significant role in the country’s economic development, providing commercial and retail banking services.
Al-Wahda Bank
Al-Wahda Bank is a major financial institution in Libya, founded in 1970 as part of the country’s efforts to develop its national banking sector. It provides a wide range of commercial and retail banking services and has played a significant role in Libya’s modern economic history.
Al-Jumhouria Bank
Al-Jumhouria Bank is a major state-owned commercial bank in Yemen, originally established in 1962 as the Yemen Bank for Reconstruction and Development. It was later renamed and has played a central role in the country’s financial system, providing key banking services and supporting economic development projects.
National Commercial Bank
The National Commercial Bank (NCB) is a major financial institution in Saudi Arabia, founded in 1953. It was the first bank established in the Kingdom and played a pivotal 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 to operate fully under Islamic Sharia principles. It was founded to provide Sharia-compliant banking services, such as profit-sharing investments and interest-free financing, to the Jordanian market and broader region.
Al-Sahari Bank
Al-Sahari Bank is a prominent financial institution in Yemen, primarily known for its significant role in the country’s banking and economic sector. It was established to provide modern banking services and has been involved in financing various development projects within Yemen.
Al-Waha Bank
Al-Waha Bank is a financial institution based in Libya, established in 2003 as part of the country’s economic liberalization efforts following decades of a state-controlled banking system. It operates as a commercial bank, providing a range of services to individuals and businesses, and has played a role in the development of the private sector in the Libyan economy.
Islamic Bank
The Islamic Bank is a financial institution that operates in accordance with Islamic law (Sharia), which prohibits interest (riba) and promotes risk-sharing and ethical investments. Its modern history began in the 1970s with the establishment of pioneering institutions like the Islamic Development Bank, aiming to provide an alternative financial system for Muslim communities. Today, it represents a significant and growing sector of global finance.
North Africa Bank
The North Africa Bank is a financial institution established to support economic development and integration across North African nations. Its history is tied to regional cooperation efforts, often involving member states like Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya, and Egypt, to fund infrastructure and business projects.
Al-Muttahid Bank
Al-Muttahid Bank is a commercial bank in Yemen, established in 2003 through the merger of the Yemeni branches of the National Bank of Oman and the International Bank of Yemen. It operates as a key financial institution in the country, providing a range of banking services to individuals and businesses.
Al-Nouran Bank
Al-Nouran Bank is a financial institution based in Egypt, primarily known for providing Islamic banking services that comply with Sharia principles. It was established to offer an alternative to conventional banking, focusing on ethical and interest-free financial products for its clients.
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 to serve as a major financial center and marketplace. The building is an architectural landmark that reflects the city’s historical significance as a hub for trade and commerce.
