Ruble Rises Again, Yuan Sets New Record: Currency Rates on May 29

The Kyrgyz som experienced mixed currency movements on May 29, 2026, with the Chinese yuan hitting a new historical peak and the Russian ruble resuming its upward trend. The euro and the Kazakh tenge, however, saw their values decline against the som, according to data from the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan and exchange bureaus in Bishkek.

The US dollar maintained its stability, holding steady for the 14th consecutive business day at an official rate of 87.45 som. In exchange offices, the dollar was bought at 87.34 som and sold at 87.8 som. The Russian ruble showed a notable increase of 0.83 percent, reaching an official rate of 1.2295 som, recovering strongly after a brief downturn. Exchange bureaus offered buying rates of 1.198 som and selling rates of 1.247 som for the ruble.

In contrast, the Kazakh tenge experienced its sharpest decline in recent weeks, falling 1.64 percent to an official rate of 0.1802 som, marking a new monthly low. Exchange rates in Bishkek were around 0.16 som for buying and 0.1963 som for selling. The euro also weakened by 0.17 percent, with the official rate at 101.5819 som. Exchange bureaus quoted buying prices at 101.31 som and selling prices at 102.31 som.

The Chinese yuan set an absolute historical record, climbing 0.08 percent to an official rate of 12.8975 som. This new high surpasses previous peaks, establishing a new record for the National Bank's observation period. Exchange bureaus offered buying rates of 12.5 som and selling rates of 13 som for the yuan. The yuan's dynamic growth underscores its increasing role in supporting import supply chains.

The National Bank of Kyrgyzstan has been active in the currency market, conducting its sixth intervention of 2026 on April 16, selling $168 million. Year-to-date sales total $893.45 million. In 2025, the bank conducted eight interventions, selling $853 million. The regulator has not made any dollar purchases this year. In 2024, the bank engaged in 26 currency market operations, including 13 dollar purchases totaling $369.35 million and 13 sales amounting to $675.65 million. In 2023, the National Bank sold $655.72 million on the currency market.