On Saturday, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reported a continued decline in food prices across Libya in February, marking the second consecutive month of improvement in basic food affordability.
The drop is seen as a sign of relative economic stability, following a series of financial reforms and steady oil revenues.
According to WFP’s latest monthly market update, the average cost of a basic food basket fell by 4.86% in February, reaching 883.6 Libyan dinars.
The food basket includes essential items commonly consumed by Libyan households. This decrease comes as the Central Bank of Libya expands the list of regulated institutions allowed to engage in foreign exchange transactions. The move has improved transparency in the currency market, strengthened the Libyan dinar, and reduced import costs — all contributing to easing food prices nationwide.
The report also noted the stabilizing effect of sustained oil revenues, which continue to underpin Libya’s fragile economic recovery.
Despite the nationwide average decrease, the eastern region was the only area to record a food price increase in February, with the cost of the basic food basket rising by about 1.1%, reaching 843.29 dinars.
Meanwhile, the western region recorded the sharpest decline in food prices, with costs falling by nearly 13%, bringing the average basket to 843 dinars, making it the most affordable region for the fourth month in a row.
In the southern region, prices dropped slightly by 0.5%, with the average basket now priced at 929.50 dinars. However, the region remains volatile, with monthly fluctuations driven by insecurity and market fragmentation.
Two cities continue to face the highest food prices in the country. In Murzuq, the cost of the food basket stood at 1,084 dinars, while Kufra followed closely at around 1,055 dinars. Both areas are experiencing added pressure from the daily arrival of refugees fleeing ongoing conflict in Sudan, placing strain on local resources and inflating demand.
While the overall trend signals improvement, the WFP notes that regional disparities remain, and continued support is essential to ensure food security in vulnerable parts of the country.
