Saudi Arabia posts SR84bn budget deficit in third quarter
Oil revenues declined 23 percent while non-oil revenues grew, according to the Ministry of Finance.
At a glance
- Third-quarter budget deficit of SR84 billion recorded
- Oil revenues declined 23 percent to SR116.5 billion
- Non-oil revenues rose 20 percent to SR142.6 billion
- Nine-month cumulative deficit reached SR244.31 billion
Saudi Arabia recorded a budget deficit of SR84 billion in the third quarter of 2026, with total revenues of SR259.11 billion against expenditures of SR343.42 billion, according to the Ministry of Finance's quarterly report released on Tuesday. Oil revenues fell 23 percent to SR116.5 billion, while non-oil revenues increased 20 percent to SR142.6 billion.
For the first nine months of 2026, the cumulative deficit reached SR244.31 billion, with revenues of SR858.87 billion against expenditures of SR1,103.17 billion. The state's general reserve balance stood at SR399.5 billion at the end of the third quarter.
Why it matters
The figures show a shift in revenue composition as oil income declined while non-oil sources expanded, reflecting broader economic diversification efforts.
Original reporting
- Saudi GazetteSaudi Arabia posts SR84 billion budget deficit in 3Q 2026
- Saudi Gazette — LatestSaudi Arabia posts SR84 billion budget deficit in 3Q 2026
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
