Libya moves toward central bank reunification as dinar holds steady in parallel markets

Central bank technocrats from eastern and western Libya presented a harmonised schedule for foreign-exchange auctions and public-sector salary disbursements, marking the most concrete reunification step since dual institutions diverged. Officials said commercial banks would receive unified instructions on clearing cross-network transfers within weeks.

Parallel-market traders in Tripoli’s Old City reported narrower spreads between official and informal rates after the announcement, though dollar demand remains elevated ahead of Ramadan imports and summer travel. Small importers welcomed promises to simplify documentary requirements for letters of credit.

International Monetary Fund interlocutors cautiously praised transparency improvements while urging publication of consolidated balance sheets. Critics in Sabha argued southern regions still lack cash liquidity despite headline stabilisation in coastal cities.

WOP360 will monitor whether audit firms gain access to vault reconciliations in both hubs—a test of whether reunification is cosmetic or operational.