Lebanon’s central bank is considering raising monthly cash withdrawal limits for depositors, a move aimed at easing financial pressures as the country grapples with political deadlock and delays in passing key economic reforms.

Banque du Liban extended its circulars 158 and 166 earlier this year, raising the monthly cash withdrawal limits from $500 to $800 and from $250 to $400, respectively. The measures are set to remain in effect until July 2026, with the possibility of renewal. Sources cited by Annahar indicate the central bank is now weighing a further increase, potentially raising limits to $1,000 for Circular 158 and $500 for Circular 166 starting in December.

Sources said that the step is under serious consideration, particularly if the so-called financial gap law faces further delays amid political disagreements and stalled parliamentary sessions.

Currently, approximately 340,000 depositors benefit from the two circulars, with 180,000 under Circular 158 and 160,000 under Circular 166. The proposed increase would raise the monthly cost of implementing the measures from roughly $208 million to $260 million, representing an additional $52 million per month. This would push the annual cost from $2.5 billion to $3.12 billion, an increase of around $624 million.

The central bank bears the majority of the financial burden, covering more than $180 million per month in fresh costs, or about $2.1 billion annually. Commercial banks contribute only about $33 million per month, roughly $400 million per year, and currently cover only Circular 158. They do not contribute to Circular 166.