US dollar climbs to 156,000 IQD in Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra

Packs of Iraqi dinars in a currency exchange shop in Baghdad, Iraq. Photo: Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) — Parallel market exchange rates for the U.S. dollar against the Iraqi Dinar (IQD) extended their upward momentum across primary wholesale bourses and trading centers on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, according to exchange data. Retail selling prices in the capital, Baghdad, reached 156,000 IQD per $100 USD, matching peak retail quotes seen in earlier sessions. Basra followed closely with selling rates touching 155,750 IQD per $100 USD, while Erbil consolidated at 155,500 IQD per $100 USD. All parallel hubs maintained an elevated premium above the Central Bank of Iraq’s (CBI) official benchmark rate of 131,000 IQD per $100 (1,310 IQD per $1 USD). Daily Exchange Rates by City (per $100 USD) Major MarketSelling Price (IQD)Buying Price (IQD)Market SpreadBaghdad156,000155,500500 IQDErbil155,500155,000500 IQDBasra155,750155,250500 IQD Market Dynamics and Official Benchmark Comparison Persistent Parallel Premium: Baghdad’s selling rate maintains a divergence of 25,000 IQD per $100 (~19.08%) over the official central bank rate, reflecting ongoing corporate and retail demand for cash foreign exchange. Uniform Market Margins: All three major commercial trading centers (Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra) operated with an identical bid-ask spread of 500 IQD, indicating balanced day-trading margins and stable intra-day velocity among currency traders. Southern Market Firming: Basra’s selling rate settled firmly at 155,750 IQD, staying within the upper band of parallel market quotes and maintaining a 250 IQD premium over Erbil’s wholesale floor.