CBI: $6.7b supplied under new forex policy to ease shortages in early 2026
Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Abdolnaser Hemmati said $6.7 billion in foreign currency was supplied between January 5 and February 21 under the new foreign exchange policy. Hemmati said that, under the latest policy, a total of $6.7 billion had been provided through various methods to finance imports of companies’ raw materials, essential goods, and medicines and medical equipment, IRNA reported.
“With the removal of the obstacles in foreign exchange provision for the commercial market and the activities of exchange offices in transactions over the past few months, its impact will gradually be seen in the banknote market as well, and the market regulator will intervene effectively at the appropriate time,” he added.
Under a new policy approved by the current government’s economic team, all foreign currency transactions are now centralized in a single trading hall with a negotiated rate closely aligned with market prices. The policy shifts foreign currency allocation from the beginning of the supply chain to direct subsidy transfers at the consumer end.
The shortage of foreign currency in the early days of 2026 led to a colossal surge in the foreign exchange rate across the country, prompting protests by traders and merchants.
The protests were hijacked by armed terrorist elements — mainly backed by the United States and Israel, leaving more than 3,000 people dead and many others injured.