How to Price in a Dual-Currency Economy
Guide for Lebanese merchants. Learn to price products when fresh USD, lollars, and LBP all have different values.
The problem
Lebanon has one of the most complex multi-rate environments in the world. Bank dollars (lollars) are worth a fraction of fresh USD. The Sayrafa rate, black market rate, and bank rate are all dramatically different. Many businesses have lost everything by accepting payment through the wrong channel.
Why it happens
The banking crisis froze dollar deposits (now called lollars), creating a split between bank dollars and fresh dollars. The official peg is irrelevant. Sayrafa is a BDL platform with limited access. The black market reflects reality. Fresh USD in hand is king.
How to calculate it step by step
Always calculate your replacement cost in fresh USD, not lollars or bank dollars.
Use the black market rate as your base, not Sayrafa (unless you have platform access).
If accepting LBP, convert at the black market rate of the day. Never accept at the old peg.
Prioritize fresh USD payments when possible. They hold value better than any other channel.
For OMT and Whish, factor in the 1-3% commission before calculating your margin.
Common mistakes
Accepting bank checks or lollar payments at face value.
Using Sayrafa rate when you can only access black market dollars.
Not updating LBP prices daily during rapid depreciation.
Treating bank USD the same as fresh USD in your calculations.