Lebanon’s central bank seeks a review of dollar withdrawals decision

State council stops deposit withdrawals at the fixed rate of 3,900 pounds per dollar

Lebanese army soldiers stand guard as smoke rises from tyres set on fire by demonstrators during a protest, after Lebanon's Central Bank said it would stop bank withdrawals from dollar accounts at lowShow more

Lebanon’s central bank said late on Wednesday it would ask the State Consultative Council to review its decision to stop letting depositors withdraw funds from dollar accounts at the fixed rate of 3,900 pounds per dollar after the move sparked protests.

Demonstrators in Beirut blocked roads with burning tyres in response to the bank’s circular on Wednesday morning announcing the council decision, the state news agency reported.

People had been lining up in front of ATMS to withdraw at the 3,900-pound-per-dollar rate before the council decision takes effect on Thursday.

Lebanese banks have mostly locked depositors out of their dollar accounts and blocked transfers abroad.

Under a central bank circular last year, depositors were permitted to withdraw dollars, with the funds paid in the local currency at a rate of 3,900 pounds to the dollar.

That is only about a third of the value of dollars on the black market, but has been the only way many Lebanese have been able to access their funds.

The central bank statement did not make clear if an alternative system would be introduced to allow access to dollars in accounts.