US dollar drops to 157,000 IQD range across Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra

Baghdad (IraqiNews. com) – The U. S. dollar extended its downward trend across Iraq’s parallel currency exchanges on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, dropping to the 157,000-dinar range across Baghdad and Erbil, and settling even lower in the southern trade hub of Basra. The sustained decline marks a cumulative contraction of roughly 3,000 dinars per $100 over four consecutive trading sessions, easing pressure from the 160,000-dinar peak recorded over the weekend, though parallel rates remain significantly elevated above the Central Bank of Iraq’s official statutory peg of 131,000 dinars per $100.

Market data published by the 964 Network showed that exchange bureaus in the capital city of Baghdad quoted selling prices of 157,000 dinars per $100 against purchase rates of 156,750 dinars, shaving off an additional 1,500 dinars from Monday’s close. In Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, currency desks mirrored Baghdad’s headline selling rate at 157,000 dinars per $100, while buying rates closed slightly lower at 156,500 dinars. Trading across Basra registered the lowest figures nationally, with selling prices dipping to 156,750 dinars and purchase levels retreating to 156,250 dinars. The midweek easing indicates a temporary stabilization in physical greenback demand as speculative…