Iran rial hits record low against dollar

Foreign exchange websites show dollar being offered for 150,000 rials

DUBAI: Iranian rial extended its slide on Wednesday, hitting a record low of around 150,000 against the dollar, according to foreign exchange websites, as the country's economic fortunes ebb after the United States reimposed sanctions.

The dollar was being offered for 150,000 rials, compared to around 138,000 rials on Tuesday, according to website Bonbast.com, which tracks the unofficial market. The website bazar360.com also quoted the 150,000 figure.

Mesghal.online gave an exchange rate of 152,530 rials against the dollar. The rial has lost more than two-thirds of its value this year because of a weak economy, financial difficulties at local banks and heavy demand for dollars among Iranians.



Many fear that Washington's pulling out of a 2015 nuclear deal and renewed US sanctions will cut into Iran's exports of oil and other goods. A set of US sanctions targeting Iran's oil industry is due to take effect in November.

Last week, Iran's parliament sacked the minister of economic affairs and finance, the latest in a continuing shakeup of top economic personnel. In early August, Iranian lawmakers voted out the minister of labour and in July President Hassan Rouhani replaced the head of the central bank.

Protests linked to the tough economic situation erupted last December, spreading to more than 80 cities and towns and resulting in 25 deaths. Sporadic protests, led by truck drivers, farmers and merchants in Tehran's bazaar, have continued since then and have occasionally resulted in violent confrontations with security forces.