Oman's government revenues went up by 52.2% during January and February 2006 to RO. 1026.9 million, against RO. 673.3 million during the corresponding period in 2005.
The monthly statistical bulletin issued by the Omani Ministry of National Economy attributed this increase to a 41.2% surge in the Sultanate's oil net revenues which went up to RO. 771.2 million, compared to RO. 546.0 million during the same period in 2005, and a 157.5% rise in natural gas revenues which stood at RO. 113.8 million, against RO. 44.2 million during the same period in 2005.
Custom charge earnings rose by 64.3% to RO. 9.2 million against RO. 5.6 million at the end February last year. Capital revenues increased by 226.3% to RO. 6.2 million, compared to 1.9 million in 2005. Other revenues rose by 77.2% to RO. 126.5 million, against 71.4 million at the end February last year.
According to ONA, the government general expenditure dropped by 6.2% during January and February last year, to RO. 500.8 million, against RO. 533.7 million during the same period in 2005. The fall in the general expenditure resulted from a 3.2% fall in current spending which stood at RO. 416.2 million, against RO. 429.8 million during the same period in 2005 and a 39.5% drop in contribution and support for the private sector which amounted to RO. 2.6 million, compared to RO. 4.3 million at the end of February 2005.
Investment spending dropped by 17.7% to RO. 82 million, compared to RO. 99.6 million at the end of February 2005.
In addition, the state general budget saw a surplus of RO. 526.1 million during the first two months of this year, compared to a surplus of RO. 139.6 million during the same period in 2005.
