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Saudi Arabia posts $8 bln Q3 deficit as lower oil costs weigh

Saudi Arabia logged a spending plan deficit of 30 billion riyals ($ 8 billion) in the 3rd quarter, a finance ministry declaration revealed on Monday, as lower oil costs weighed on earnings.

The kingdom's overall costs concerned 339 billion riyals in the quarter as it continued to invest heavily on its Vision 2030 transformation program targeted at diversifying the economy away from its huge dependence on the oil sector.

Overall revenue, on the other hand, stood at 309 billion riyals in the third quarter, with oil income at 191 billion riyals and non-oil earnings at 118 billion riyals.

Saudi Arabia is doubling down on its multi-billion dollar financial overhaul, financing minister Mohammed Al Jadaan informed an financier top in Riyadh last week.

While it has actually accelerated efforts to bolster non-oil growth, oil is still an economic essential nevertheless, and amidst lower oil costs and output government earnings have fallen.

The kingdom is reviewing costs, under which some Vision 2030 jobs will be postponed or scaled back and others prioritised.

A Reuters survey expects the Saudi economy to grow 1.3% this year, somewhat less than the International Monetary Fund's. recently modified forecast of 1.5%, and amongst the slowest in. the Gulf Cooperation Council bloc.

Oil output is expected to increase next year, driving a rebound. in general financial development. The non-oil sector now makes up more. than 50% of GDP and, while there has been some softening there. this year, it is still estimated at around 4%.

(source: Reuters)