Dollar Edges Lower in Baghdad and Erbil as Market Gap Persists

Iraq’s dollar exchange rate slipped slightly on Saturday afternoon in major trading centers, with market prices still trading well above the official Central Bank rate of 130,000 Iraqi dinars per $100. The spread underscored the persistent gap between the formal exchange rate and cash market pricing. In Baghdad, the selling price stood at 153,800 Iraqi dinars per $100, while the buying price was 153,500 Iraqi dinars. In Basra, retail selling was recorded at 154,000 Iraqi dinars, and wholesale buying at 153,250 Iraqi dinars. Erbil also posted a modest decline, with selling at 153,250 Iraqi dinars and buying at 153,000 Iraqi dinars. The figures point to continued pressure in the market despite the official rate remaining unchanged.