The U.S. dollar climbed sharply in Iraq’s parallel currency market on Monday, October 5, 2026, breaking above the 160,000-dinar mark per $100 as exchange rates rose across Baghdad, Erbil and Basra.
In Baghdad, exchange offices quoted the dollar at around 160,500 dinars per $100 for selling, while buying rates stood at approximately 159,500 dinars, marking an increase of nearly 3,000 dinars from Thursday’s close.
In Erbil, the dollar was offered at 160,150 dinars per $100, with buying rates at 159,750 dinars. In Basra, selling rates reached around 159,500 dinars, while purchase offers stood at approximately 159,000 dinars.
The latest rise comes amid renewed demand for cash dollars from traders and importers, with some businesses continuing to rely on the parallel market to obtain foreign currency.
Currency dealers in Baghdad attributed the increase partly to tighter cash-dollar availability and renewed retail speculation, pushing exchange rates beyond key psychological levels despite official efforts to strengthen liquidity and regulate the foreign-exchange market.
