The US dollar rose against the Libyan dinar in the parallel market on Sunday, January 18, 2026, closing in Tripoli at 8.83 dinars, while trading in exchange offices saw a slight increase to 8.87 dinars.
In other cities, the closing price in Zliten was 8.85 dinars, while in Benghazi and Ajdabiya it was around 8.80 dinars, reflecting a continued slight disparity between regions.
As for other foreign currencies, the euro rose to 10.11 dinars, while the British pound sterling increased to 11.55 dinars.
In the precious metals market, the price per gram of 18-carat scrap gold saw a notable rise, reaching 958 dinars at the close. Meanwhile, foreign remittance prices were close to the cash rate, with the dollar remittance to Turkey at 8.83 dinars and Dubai remittances at 8.86 dinars.
Central Bank Decides to Lower Official Exchange Rate
These increases in the parallel market coincide with a pivotal decision issued by the Central Bank of Libya today, which involves adjusting the exchange rate of the Libyan dinar and devaluing it by 14.7% against the Special Drawing Rights (SDRs).
Under this adjustment, the value of the Libyan dinar fell to 0.1150 SDR units instead of 0.1348 units. The new official exchange rate is set at approximately 6.40 dinars per US dollar.
Observers believe this decision aims to address the price gap and achieve financial balance. However, the parallel market reacted quickly with a rise in “check” prices, reflecting a state of anticipation and caution among traders and banking sector dealers.
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. 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, 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, and Italians, serving as a major port and cultural crossroads. Its historic core, the medina of Old Tripoli, contains significant architecture from these various periods.
Zliten
Zliten is a coastal city in northwestern Libya, historically known for its Roman and Ottoman-era influences. It is particularly famous for the Zliten Mosaic, a well-preserved Roman floor mosaic from the 2nd century AD discovered in a villa, depicting scenes of daily life and gladiatorial combat. The city also holds significance for the Zawiya of Sidi Abd as-Salam al-Asmar, a 15th-century Islamic religious school and mausoleum that is an important Sufi site.
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, serving 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 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.
euro
The Euro is the official currency of the Eurozone, a monetary union of 20 European Union member states. It was introduced in non-physical form in 1999 and as physical banknotes and coins in 2002, replacing many national currencies like the French franc and German mark to facilitate economic integration.
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. The country is renowned for its diverse cultural heritage, encompassing historic sites like Ephesus and Hagia Sophia, alongside unique traditions in cuisine, art, and architecture.
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 its ultramodern architecture and luxury shopping.
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 since 2011, with rival administrations in Tripoli and Benghazi both claiming control over the institution and its critical assets.
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.
