As trading closed on Sunday, January 25, 2026, Libya’s currency market witnessed a limited decline in the exchange rate of the US dollar against bank checks. The American currency saw a slight decrease but remained above the 10 dinars level, confirming its upward trajectory amidst a general market rise.
📊 Dollar Exchange Rates for Bank Checks at Market Close
Trading observed slight variations between banks in different Libyan cities, with the prices as follows:
| Bank | Selling Price (Dinar) | Buying Price (Dinar) |
|---|---|---|
| Trade and Development (Tripoli) | 10.520 | 10.5275 |
| Development (Benghazi) | 10.480 | 10.4775 |
| Unity (Benghazi) | 10.450 | 10.4475 |
| Unity / Republic / National Commercial / Aman | 10.500 | 10.4975 |
| Sahara / Oasis / Islamic / North Africa | 10.490 | 10.4875 |
| United / Nouran / Saray | 10.480 | 10.4775 |
Central Bank’s Decision to Lower the Exchange Rate
The decline in check prices in the parallel market coincided with an announcement by the Central Bank of Libya regarding a new adjustment to the exchange rate of the Libyan dinar, devaluing it by 14.7% against the Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) unit.
According to the decision, the dinar’s value is now 0.1150 Special Drawing Rights instead of 0.1348 units, setting the new official rate at approximately 6.40 dinars per US dollar.
🔎 Analysis of the Situation
- The Central Bank’s move aims to reduce the gap between the official and parallel market rates and achieve a degree of financial balance.
- The parallel market reacted quickly with an increase in check prices, reflecting a state of caution and anticipation among traders and dealers.
- Forecasts indicate that fluctuations will continue in the coming days as the market remains under pressure from internal and external factors.
- A state of anticipation prevails in economic circles regarding the outcome of the upcoming official parliamentary session, which is expected to be attended by the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya, his deputy, and board members.
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 uprising and civil war.
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.
Trade and Development
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a permanent intergovernmental body established in 1964 to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. It was founded during a period of decolonization to address concerns over global trade imbalances and advocate for development-friendly policies.
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 part of the Roman Empire and the Ottoman Empire, with its old city, the Medina, showcasing a rich blend of architectural and cultural influences from these periods.
Development
Development is a broad concept referring to the process of growth, progress, or positive change, often applied to economic, social, or infrastructural advancement within nations or communities. Historically, the modern theory of development emerged prominently after World War II, focusing on industrialization and economic metrics, but has since evolved to include sustainable and human-centered approaches.
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 the provisional capital after the 2011 revolution and being a key site during the Second World War.
Unity
Unity is a small town in Saskatchewan, Canada, founded in 1909 as a railway point along the Canadian Pacific Railway. It is named to symbolize the cooperative spirit of the early settlers from diverse backgrounds who established the community.
Republic
The Republic is a public square in the heart of Paris, France, originally known as Place du Château d’Eau. It was renamed in 1883 to commemorate the establishment of the French Republic and is dominated by a large bronze statue of Marianne, a national symbol of liberty and reason.
National Commercial
The National Commercial is a historic bank in Saudi Arabia, founded in 1953 as the first Saudi-owned bank. It played a key role in the kingdom’s economic development and modernized its services before merging with SAMBA in 2021 to form Saudi National Bank.
Aman
Aman is a luxury hotel and resort brand founded in 1988 by Adrian Zecha, with its first property opening in Phuket, Thailand. The brand is renowned for its exclusive, serene locations and minimalist design philosophy that emphasizes privacy and integration with the natural environment.
Sahara
The Sahara is the world’s largest hot desert, spanning much of North Africa. Historically, it was not always arid, with evidence of a greener environment and human settlements during the Neolithic Subpluvial thousands of years ago, before desertification intensified around 3000 BCE.
Oasis
An oasis is a fertile area in a desert or semi-arid region, typically centered around a natural water source such as a spring or well. Historically, oases have been crucial for trade, settlement, and agriculture, serving as vital waypoints for caravans along routes like the Silk Road. These sites have often developed into unique cultural hubs, supporting communities and date palm cultivation in otherwise inhospitable environments.
Islamic
“Islamic” is a broad term referring to the religion of Islam and its associated cultures, rather than a specific place or site. Historically, it encompasses the civilization that emerged from the 7th century in the Arabian Peninsula, which rapidly expanded and produced significant advancements in science, art, and architecture. Notable cultural sites from this tradition include the Kaaba in Mecca, the Alhambra in Spain, and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
North Africa
North Africa is a region encompassing countries along the Mediterranean coast and the Sahara Desert, historically home to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Carthaginians, and Numidians. It later became a major part of the Islamic world following the Arab conquests in the 7th century, with a complex colonial history involving European powers in the 19th and 20th centuries. This blend of indigenous, Arab, Berber, and colonial influences has created a rich and diverse cultural heritage across the region.
United
United is a football club based in Manchester, England, historically referring to Manchester United, one of the world’s most famous and successful clubs. Founded in 1878 as Newton Heath LYR Football Club, it was renamed Manchester United in 1902 and has since won numerous domestic and European trophies. The club is renowned for its global fanbase and historic achievements under managers like Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Nouran
Nouran is a modern residential and commercial district located in the New Administrative Capital of Egypt, developed as part of the country’s urban expansion plans in the 21st century. It represents contemporary Egyptian urban development, designed to offer integrated living, business, and recreational spaces.
Saray
Saray refers to historical palace complexes used by rulers of various Turkic and Mongol states, most notably the Golden Horde. These sites, such as Sarai Batu and Sarai Berke, served as political and cultural centers along the Volga River in the 13th-14th centuries. Their ruins are significant archaeological sites that illustrate the empire’s administrative power and cosmopolitan nature.
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 role in managing the nation’s financial system and currency, though its operations have been significantly impacted and divided by the political conflicts since 2011.
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.
