Non-oil activities continue to gain traction

Muscat: The non-oil economic activities continue to gain traction with sustained policy efforts and increased participation of private sector.
Inflationary conditions remained benign and headline inflation stood at 0.2 per cent in January 2019, much lower as compared to 1.1 per cent a year ago.
The Omani oil price averaged US$66.3 a barrel in January 2019 in comparison with US$60.8 per barrel during January 2018.
The surge in oil prices and reform measures implemented over the last two years provided necessary support and helped in containing fiscal deficit in 2018.
The 2019 budget also adopted a balanced approach with supporting growth and welfare without undermining macro stability and accordingly, projected a fiscal deficit at OMR2.8 billion in 2019, somewhat lower as compared to OMR3.0 billion estimated for 2018 budget.