Kuwait posts $27.8b budget surplus in 10 months
25 Feb 2010
(MENAFN) Kuwaiti finance ministry said that the Gulf country posted a preliminary budget surplus of $27.8 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year on higher oil income, AFP reported.
The ministry said in a statement that revenues until the end of January reached $51 billion, 82 percent above the $28.1 billion projected for the whole 2009-2010 fiscal year, which ends on March 31. Spending during the 10 months was $23.2 billion, just 55.2 percent of projected spending for the whole year of $42.1 billion.
The huge surplus is expected to be lower at the end of the fiscal year due to end-of-year accounting adjustments when pledged expenditure not included so far will be added to the closing statements.
Oil income up to the end of January reached $48.2 billion or double the budget projections for the whole year of $24.1 billion. Oil revenues constituted 94.5 percent of total income.
Kuwait has been projecting a deficit in each of the past 11 fiscal years because it calculates oil income at a highly conservative price. It has projected a deficit of close to $14 billion this year. It however ended 10 of those years with a huge surplus and is headed for a windfall exceeding $20 billion for this year.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience and by clicking “I Accept” below, you consent to the use of cookies. Learn more