Saturday, December 20, 2025, trading in the parallel market concluded with a continued rise for the US dollar against the Libyan dinar, closing in Tripoli at 8.58 dinars.
In Zliten, the closing price was recorded at 8.60 dinars, while trading was halted in Benghazi, reflecting a slight disparity between cities amid a general upward trend.
Other foreign currencies saw similar increases, with the euro reaching 9.88 dinars and the British pound sterling at 11.10 dinars.
In the precious metals market, the price for an 18-karat scrap gold gram rose to 862 dinars. Meanwhile, external remittance rates remained close to the cash rate, with the dollar remittance rate to Turkey at 8.57 dinars and to Dubai at 8.56 dinars.
Despite the Central Bank of Libya injecting over $2 billion through credits and personal purposes since the beginning of the month, in addition to distributing 4 billion dinars in liquidity to banks, the parallel market continues to record pressures and successive increases.
These developments coincided with the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya calling on the head of the Government of National Unity to direct the Ministry of Economy to issue a decision prohibiting imports without a bank transfer starting in 2026, alongside addressing security agencies to close unlicensed exchange offices.
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.
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 economic independence.
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 diverse architecture.
Zliten
Zliten is a coastal city in northwestern Libya, historically known for the ancient Roman city of Lpcis Minor located nearby. It is also renowned for the Zliten Mosque, which dates back to the 10th century and features significant Islamic architectural and artistic heritage.
Benghazi
Benghazi is a major city in eastern Libya, historically significant as a center of trade and culture since its founding as the ancient Greek colony of Euesperides. In modern times, it played a pivotal role as a hub of the 2011 Libyan revolution against Muammar Gaddafi. Today, it remains an important economic and political center in the country.
euro
The Euro is the official currency of the European Union, used by 20 of its member states which form the Eurozone. It was introduced in non-cash form in 1999 and as physical banknotes and coins in 2002, with the goal of fostering economic integration and stability across Europe.
British pound sterling
The British pound sterling, often symbolized as £, is the official currency of the United Kingdom and is the world’s oldest currency still in use. Its origins trace back to Anglo-Saxon times, with the pound historically representing a pound weight of sterling silver.
Turkey
Turkey is a transcontinental nation bridging Europe and Asia, with a rich history rooted in the ancient civilizations of Anatolia and later as the heart of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Its modern identity was forged as a republic in 1923 under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, blending its deep historical legacy with a contemporary secular state. Key cultural sites include the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, a monument that has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum, reflecting the country’s layered past.
Dubai
Dubai is a major global city and emirate in the United Arab Emirates, historically a small fishing and pearling village. Its modern transformation began in the late 20th century, fueled by oil revenue and strategic investments, leading to its current status as a hub for trade, tourism, and iconic architecture like the Burj Khalifa.
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, with parallel institutions emerging in the east and west during the post-2011 civil conflict.
Government of National Unity
The Government of National Unity (GNU) is a term most notably associated with the post-apartheid transitional government in South Africa, formed in 1994 following the country’s first multiracial elections. Led by President Nelson Mandela, it was a coalition government that included the African National Congress, the National Party, and the Inkatha Freedom Party, aiming to foster reconciliation and stability during the shift to majority rule.
Ministry of Economy
The Ministry of Economy is a government department responsible for formulating and implementing national economic policy. Its history is tied to the development of the modern state, with such ministries typically being established or significantly reformed during periods of industrialization or major economic restructuring to guide fiscal, trade, and industrial strategies.
