Lebanon’s central bank has increased the monthly withdrawal limits for depositors benefiting from two schemes designed to give them gradual access to dollar savings frozen by banking restrictions since 2019, raising the amounts available under both programs for the first time in a year.

The changes, introduced through Intermediate Circulars No. 780 and 781, dated Nov. 2, will take effect on Dec. 1. Banque du Liban (BDL) has also extended the mechanisms through the end of June 2027.

Under the amendments, the monthly limit for beneficiaries of Basic Circular No. 158 will rise from $1,000 to $1,200, while the limit under Circular No. 166 will increase from $500 to $600.

However, depositors will not be able to withdraw the additional amounts entirely in cash. As with the previous adjustment in 2025, part of the funds will be restricted to payments made by bank card at point-of-sale (POS) terminals. The measure was introduced last year amid U.S. pressure, particularly over efforts to curb the cash economy and limit Hezbollah’s access to financing channels.

Under Circular No. 158, beneficiaries will be able to receive $800 in cash each month, while the remaining $400 will be available exclusively for card payments at POS terminals. Of that amount, $200 was allocated for card use under the previous adjustment, with another $200 added under the latest changes.

For beneficiaries of Circular No. 166, the monthly allocation will consist of $400 in cash and $200 for POS transactions.

In a letter accompanying the decision, BDL Governor Karim Souhaid cited the “exceptional circumstances” facing Lebanon, pointing to shrinking economic activity, sharply higher prices for basic goods and the resulting pressure on household purchasing power and economic stability.