Massive inflation in Syria has led to the devaluation of the Syrian pound, resulting in merchants resorting to weighing currency instead of counting it. This phenomenon has emerged due to the extreme difficulty in counting large amounts of cash, exacerbated by the deterioration of banknotes and the lack of electronic transactions. Traders in regime-controlled areas have adopted this method, with one merchant explaining that carrying large sums in bags has become commonplace, often leading to ridicule among the public.
The process of weighing currency involves using sensitive scales to ensure accuracy, as the value of the Syrian pound has plummeted since the onset of the civil war in 2011. The largest denomination, 5,000 Syrian pounds, is now worth less than half a dollar. Experts attribute this decline to a combination of factors, including destruction, loss of resources, and political instability. Despite the Syrian regime's return to the Arab League, the currency's value has not improved, raising concerns about future devaluation.
