Zimbabweans finally got access to new low-denomination currency on Tuesday that authorities hope will end chronic cash shortages.

Weekly cash withdrawal limit has been set at 300 U.S. dollars, and at least 100,000 account holders are expected to withdraw cash this week, reported local media. 

Although the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) began dispensing the new notes and coins to all banks across the country on Monday, the day scheduled to start circulating the new two-dollar coin, two-dollar note, and five-dollar note, customers failed to access them on time. 

RBZ Governor John Mangudya announced last month the introduction of the new notes to ease cash shortages.

He said the new notes totaling 1 billion Zimbabwe dollars would be gradually injected into the economy over the next six months to curtail fueling inflation.

The new notes are expected to circulate alongside the surrogate bond notes that were introduced in 2016.

Zimbabwe has been facing cash shortages for quite some time, leading some to sell the few banknotes available at a premium.

(With input from Xinhua)