DUSHANBE,Tajikistan – The National Bank of Tajikistan has announced plans to expand public access to precious metal investments by installing specialized vending machines in the capital, Dushanbe. The machines will allow customers to buy and in some cases sell gold bars in an automated format.
The initiative was unveiled by the Bank’s Chairman, Firdavs Tolibzoda, who stated that the new equipment will enable residents to conduct gold transactions conveniently and securely. According to media, the machines will function similarly to conventional ATMs.
Customers will be able to select a gold bar, complete payment using a bank card, and receive the purchased product directly from the machine. Certain units are also expected to offer the option of selling gold bars back to the bank.
These machines are typically installed in high-traffic locations such as shopping centers and airports. Tolibzoda emphasized that the initiative aims to “expand public access to the purchase of gold bars” and further modernize the domestic gold market.
Gold bars have been in free circulation in Tajikistan since June 2017. Currently, they are sold at the central office of the National Bank in Dushanbe as well as through several commercial banks.
According to official data, 200 kilograms of gold were sold in Tajikistan in 2025, totaling $24.64 million in value. Individual buyers accounted for the majority of purchases.
Bullion prices are set daily based on the morning interbank fixing price of a troy ounce (31.1034768 grams) in London. Additional costs including production, transportation, insurance, and customs duties are incorporated into the final price. The gold bars are produced from domestically mined gold.
The National Bank noted that 2025 marked a turning point for the country’s gold market. Standardized gold bar prices rose by an average of 39.03% over the year the highest increase in recent years. The surge was driven by rising global gold prices amid geopolitical tensions, a weakening U.S. dollar, and increased demand for safe-haven assets.
Gold bars weighing 10, 20, and 50 grams are currently available for purchase. As is standard in the bullion market, larger bars are offered at a lower price per gram.
