Qatar is budgeting for a third consecutive budget surplus in 2020, but lower oil and gas prices could yet squeeze revenues. Overall, the emirate’s freshly minted 2020 budget projects an annual surplus of just $140mn (see table).

The 2019 budget projected Qatar racking up a $1.2bn surplus this year. And data from the first half of the year indicates that it should easily exceed this. After six months, Qatar’s finances point towards a $4.9bn surplus, although lower H2 oil prices could ultimately bring this down. (CONTINUED - 798 WORDS)