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Sunday, October 18, 2026English edition
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The Geopolitician

Country risk, from the local press

Syria · Country watch

Central Bank Crackdown, Gold Price Surge

Syria's central bank targets unlicensed money services, while gold prices rise amid economic instability.

· · 3 sources

The picture Deteriorating

Business conditions in Syria are deteriorating due to a crackdown on unlicensed financial services and rising gold prices, signaling economic instability.

In this briefing Central Bank of Syria · Ministry of Interior · Gold market in Syria · Osama Qaziz · Damascus Vegetable and Fruit Traders and Exporters Committee

Regulation

  • Finance

Central Bank targets unlicensed money services

A collection of various international banknotes scattered across a flat surface
Jason Leung / Unsplash

The Central Bank of Syria, in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, will begin legal action against unlicensed currency exchange and money transfer operators starting 18 October 2026, according to SANA. This move aims to regulate the financial sector and curb illegal financial activities. The crackdown is part of broader efforts to stabilize the Syrian pound and ensure compliance with financial regulations.

Impact Currency exchange and money transfer operators face legal action, affecting those without proper licenses.

Sources: SANA سانا ↗

Disruption

Nothing significant reported today.

Internal tension

Nothing significant reported today.

Safety & health

Nothing significant reported today.

Companies

Nothing significant reported today.

Markets

  • Finance

Gold prices rise by 100 lira in Syria

The price of 21-carat gold in the Syrian market increased by 100 lira today, according to SANA. This rise follows market trends and reflects ongoing economic instability. Gold prices are closely watched as they are influenced by both global market conditions and local currency fluctuations. The increase in gold prices may impact consumer purchasing power and investment decisions in Syria.

Impact Gold buyers and investors face higher costs as prices rise by 100 lira.

Sources: SANA سانا ↗

  • Agriculture
  • Retail

Vegetable prices rise as summer season ends

Vegetable prices in Syria are increasing as the summer production season ends, reports Al-Watan. Osama Qaziz, head of the Damascus Vegetable and Fruit Traders and Exporters Committee, attributes the price hikes to reduced production, weather challenges, and irrigation issues. The rising prices are not linked to export activities but are a result of domestic production constraints.

Impact Consumers and retailers face higher costs for vegetables as local production declines.

Sources: Al-Watan الوطن ↗

Trade

Nothing significant reported today.

Politics

Nothing significant reported today.

Also today in Syria

Sources in this briefing

Sources: each headline links to the original article on the publisher's site.

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