Ruble Falls Below 1 Som at Bishkek Exchange Offices Amid Continued Decline

Currency exchange offices in Bishkek are now buying and selling the Russian ruble for less than 1 Kyrgyz som, marking a significant drop in the currency's value. The buying rate for the ruble has fallen below the 1-som threshold at nearly all exchange points, averaging between 0.95 and 0.98 som. In some instances, the selling rate has also dipped below 1 som, reaching as low as 0.998 som.

This sharp decline in the cash market contrasts with the official exchange rate set by the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, which stood at 1.0382 soms per ruble on August 18. The ruble has experienced a notable depreciation against the som throughout August, losing 5.65 percent of its value in the first half of the month alone. This trend brings the Russian currency close to its lowest point recorded in 2026.

The situation reflects a broader economic trend, with the ruble's value continuing to slide. Earlier in April, the official exchange rate had already fallen to 1.0332 soms per ruble, indicating a sustained period of weakness for the Russian currency in Kyrgyzstan.