HARARE, Zimbabwe (CNN) -- Zimbabwe's central bank will introduce a $50 billion note -- enough to buy just two loaves of bread -- as a way of fighting cash shortages amid spiraling inflation. Zimbabwe's dollar is virtually worthless, with foreign currency now being used to purchase basic items. The country's acting finance minister, Patrick Chinamasa, made the announcement in a government gazette released Saturday. Although Chinamasa did not give the date on which the $50 billion and new $20 billion notes would come into circulation, an official at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe said the notes would be distributed to all banks by the end of Monday.
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Zimbabwe grappling with hyperinflation estimated at 231 million percent
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As of Friday, one U.S. dollar was trading at around ZW$25 billion
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The country slashed 10 zeros from the amount of its worthless currency in August
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RBZ has allowed most goods and services to be charged in foreign currency
As a result, grocery purchases, government hospital bills, property sales, rent, vegetables and even mobile phone recharge cards are now paid for in foreign currency, as the worthless @placeholder dollar virtually ceases to be legal tender.