ReliefWeb reported on Monday that the cost of the basic spending basket in Libya rose by 2.2% in March, reaching 902.92 Libyan dinars. This marks a reversal after two consecutive months of decline, indicating renewed inflationary pressure on the purchasing power of households.
According to the website, this nationwide increase is due to rising costs across all regions. The western region recorded the highest increase at +2.9%, reaching 867.91 LYD, mainly due to a significant surge in Zuwara by +18.1%, bringing its basket cost to 1,056.53 LYD. This spike is attributed to the closure of the Wazen border crossing, which disrupted trade and goods supply from Tunisia.
The site also noted that Kufra remains the most expensive market in the eastern region, with the cost of the full wheat basket slightly increasing by 0.5% to 1,060.37 LYD. This continued price rise is linked to the steady influx of Sudanese refugees and the associated pressure on local supplies. In the south, Murzuq recorded the highest basket cost nationally at 1,077.58 LYD, despite a slight drop of 0.6%, reflecting ongoing market isolation, insecurity, and recent military operations.
Despite increases across all regions, the site noted that price volatility remains high in Libya, with several municipalities experiencing moderate to sharp price declines.
The rise in the overall core price index in March was driven by increases in both food and non-food components. The national non-food core index rose by +8.1% to 113.38 LYD, largely due to a +24.1% increase in the south, which the site attributes to ongoing fuel supply restrictions.
