The Central Bank will begin selling foreign currency to citizens starting next Sunday.

Tripoli, April 30, 2026 (LANA) – The Central Bank of Libya announced that commercial banks are ready to begin selling US dollars to citizens starting next Sunday. The bank confirmed that approximately $500 million has been transferred to the banks, an amount exceeding the current reservations registered through the system, which are estimated at around $300 million ready for disbursement.

The bank explained that reservations and their corresponding foreign currency allocations will continue regularly and consistently as part of a plan aimed at easing pressure on demand in the local market and ensuring a smooth flow of foreign currency to citizens and merchants.

The Central Bank confirmed that its plan for next week includes expanding the sale of foreign currency for personal use, along with rapidly replenishing bank cards. It also plans to sell $1 billion to commercial banks to cover previously approved letters of credit and remittances.

The bank further indicated that it is working to expedite the issuance of new approvals for letters of credit and remittances worth up to an additional $1 billion, with the goal of supporting imports, ensuring the availability of essential goods, and bolstering market stability.

The bank indicated that priority in the coming period will be given to loans for livestock, live animals, and sacrificial animals, coinciding with the approach of Eid al-Adha. It noted that the market has already begun to witness a decline in the prices of some goods, with expectations of a further significant decrease before the end of May.

In a related context, the bank announced that before the end of May, citizens will be able to obtain euros and British pounds in cash for personal use, in addition to US dollars, as part of efforts to diversify foreign exchange options and meet the needs of the market and citizens.

...(LANA)...