The US dollar exchange rate recorded a decline against the Libyan dinar at the close of trading on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, abandoning its upward trajectory that had lasted for weeks and during which it reached its highest level in ten years. The dollar closed in Tripoli at 9.78 dinars, while it recorded a slight increase in chamber trading to 9.79 dinars.
Minor Differences Between Regions
Differences between cities remained limited, as the closing price in Zliten was around 9.785 dinars, while it stabilized in Benghazi and Ajdabiya at 9.75 dinars. This relative decline came amid expectations of the impact of anticipated changes to the personal purposes system and the expansion of powers for exchange companies, which contributed to a limited calming of prices.
Decline in Foreign Currencies
Foreign currencies continued to record high levels despite the relative decline, as the price of the Euro fell to 11.40 dinars, while the price of the British Pound Sterling reached around 12.90 dinars, according to traders and specialized market monitoring pages.
Relative Decline in Gold and Transfers
In the precious metals market, the price of 18-karat scrap gold per gram declined to 1150 dinars, influenced by the drop in the global ounce price. Conversely, prices for external transfers remained at levels higher than cash, with the dollar price for transfers to Turkey at 9.755 dinars, and to Dubai at 9.895 dinars.
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.
Libyan dinar
The Libyan dinar is the official currency of Libya, introduced in 1971 to replace the Libyan pound. Its issuance and value have been heavily influenced by the country’s political history, including the Gaddafi era and subsequent instability, which has led to significant fluctuations and the existence of parallel exchange rates.
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, Italians, and others, serving as a major port and cultural crossroads. Its historic core, the medina of Old Tripoli, contains well-preserved examples of its diverse architectural heritage.
Zliten
Zliten is a coastal city in northwestern Libya, historically known for its ancient Roman ruins, including the Villa of Omira and remnants of the city of Lpqy. It is also culturally significant as the site of the Zliten Mosque, which houses one of the oldest Islamic manuscripts in North Africa. The area has long been an important center for Islamic scholarship and Sufi traditions.
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 Civil War as a key base for the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi.
Ajdabiya
Ajdabiya is a city in northeastern Libya, historically significant as a major crossroads for trans-Saharan trade routes and later as a site of strategic importance during various conflicts, including World War II and the 2011 Libyan Civil War. Its location has made it a recurring focal point for military engagements throughout modern Libyan history.
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, following the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 which laid the groundwork for economic and monetary union.
British Pound Sterling
The British Pound Sterling, often simply called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom and is the world’s oldest currency still in use, with origins dating back over 1,200 years. Its history is deeply tied to the British Empire’s economic power, and it remains a major global reserve currency despite the UK’s adoption of decimalisation in 1971.
Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental nation bridging Europe and Asia, with a rich history as the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Its cultural landscape is defined by iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul and the ancient ruins of Ephesus, reflecting layers of Greek, Roman, and Islamic heritage. 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 is now most famous for its ambitious architecture, luxury shopping, and tourism, having diversified its economy away from hydrocarbons. Landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah symbolize its rapid development into a futuristic metropolis.
