Oman Budget Deficit
General government net lending/borrowing as % of GDP GGXCNL_NGDP
Oman's budget deficit was 0.41% in 2025, ranked 28th globally. This represents a 87.5% decrease from 2024. Data from IMF WEO, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Oman's budget deficit stood at 0.41% in 2025, a decline of +2.90% from 2024. The IMF projects 0.41% by 2025. Oman ranked 28th globally.
Oman's primary budget deficit, measured as a share of GDP, fell to 0.41 % in 2025, placing the sultanate 28th among 190 economies in the IMF World Economic Outlook database. This marks a dramatic reversal from the all‑time peak of 14.66 % recorded in 2008, when soaring oil‑price volatility and expansive fiscal stimulus strained public finances. The subsequent trough of –19.62 % in 2016 reflected a sharp contraction in spending amid falling hydrocarbon revenues and a temporary reliance on reserve withdrawals. Over the 36‑year series, the deficit has trended downward, aligning Oman more closely with peers such as Lao PDR (0.44 % in 2025) and Argentina (0.39 % in 2025). Continued diversification away from oil, coupled with disciplined expenditure reforms, is likely to sustain the modest deficit level, though any resurgence in global oil prices or major fiscal stimulus could alter the trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Budget Deficit | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 4.27% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 3.91% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 3.39% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 2.25% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 1.00% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 0.41% | - | - |
| 2025 | 0.41% | −2.90% | #28 |
| 2024 | 3.31% | −3.56% | #170 |
| 2023 | 6.87% | −3.66% | #181 |
| 2022 | 10.53% | +13.70% | #185 |
| 2021 | -3.17% | +12.50% | #106 |
| 2020 | -15.67% | −10.84% | #11 |
| 2019 | -4.83% | +1.89% | #35 |
| 2018 | -6.72% | +3.74% | #15 |
| 2017 | -10.46% | +9.16% | #4 |
| 2016 | -19.62% | −6.15% | #5 |
| 2015 | -13.47% | −11.90% | #11 |
| 2014 | -1.58% | −4.36% | #128 |
| 2013 | 2.78% | −1.30% | #173 |
| 2012 | 4.07% | −4.17% | #169 |
| 2011 | 8.24% | +3.29% | #183 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Oman matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw budget deficit improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Oman's budget deficit was 0.41% in 2025. Ranked 28th globally. This represents a 87.5% decrease from the previous year.
Oman's budget deficit peaked at 14.66% in 2008.
The lowest budget deficit in Oman was -19.62% in 2016.
Oman ranks 28th globally in budget deficit as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GGXCNL_NGDP. Data sourced from IMF WEO.
Oman's budget deficit is projected to reach 0.41% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The budget deficit of Oman in 2025 was 0.41%. This ranks 28th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_oman_budget-deficit,
title = {Oman Budget Deficit},
url = {https://historysaid.com/oman/budget-deficit/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}