MUSCAT : Preliminary data released by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealed that domestic liquidity rose by 6.1 percent, reaching RO 25.843 billion, up from RO 24.355 billion during the same period in 2024.

Currency in circulation, however, registered a 5.2 percent decline, standing at RO 1.486 billion compared to RO 1.568 billion a year earlier. Meanwhile, the narrow money supply (M1) climbed 6.9 percent, totaling RO 7.407 billion, reflecting stronger banking activity and consumer confidence.

The report also highlighted a surge in lending, with total loans and financing provided by commercial banks and Islamic windows rising 8.6 percent to RO 34.105 billion, compared to RO 31.406 billion in August 2024. Private sector deposits followed suit, increasing 7.5 percent to RO 22.361 billion, up from RO 20.801 billion the previous year.

In terms of interest rates, the average rate on total loans eased slightly by 2 percent, settling at 5.492 percent, compared to 5.603 percent a year ago. The net foreign assets of the banking system also expanded by 7.1 percent, reaching RO 7.338 billion, up from RO 6.854 billion in 2024.

On the other hand, the effective exchange rate index of the Omani rial dipped marginally by 0.6 percent, standing at 114.3 points at the end of August 2025.

Economists note that the overall financial indicators point to a stable and expanding economy, supported by prudent fiscal policies and continued investment confidence across sectors aligned with Oman Vision 2040.

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