Q3 2017 Budget Statement: (A large rise in government oil revenue needed in Q4 2017)

Due to an increase in government revenues by 11 percent, and despite a rise in expenses by 5 percent year-on-year, the fiscal deficit improved to SR49 billion in Q3 2017, compared to SR54 billion a year ago. Total government expenses rose by 5 percent year-on-year in Q3 2017, to a total of SR191 billion, but remain broadly flat on a year-to-date basis, over the same period last year. The largest contributor to current expenses, ‘Compensation of Employees.