Muscat, The National Centre for Statistics and

Information (NCSI) will start a fieldwork after tomorrow (Wednesday) to

survey Household Expenditure and Income. It will continue for a year

and would target a sample comprising 5,660 Omani and expatriate

families in all governorates of the Sultanate.

The survey will cover expenses and income of each family in

the sample for an entire month. It is aimed at providing socio-economic

databases reflecting the reality of expenditure and consumption, as

well as the income of a household.

The survey will include a comprehensive database about

household expenditure and income, linking these data with various

social, demographic and economic variables, such as geographical

distribution, gender, educational level and the condition of economic

activity.

From an economic perspective, the survey will provide data on

household consumption, which are very important for national

accounts. It will also give a required data for preparation of consumer

price index. The consumer price index measures the rate of inflation in

the Sultanate, which is beneficial for preparation of economic policies.

From a social perspective, the survey provides data on the living

conditions of the population and helps in determining their standards.

The survey data will be a qualitative leap in taking a closer look at the

nutritional status of the Omani society, which is usually important to

determine the health status of the society.

Most countries in the world carry out the household expenditure

and income survey. In view of the continuous changes in expenditure,

consumption, and income patterns, this survey is carried out regularly.

These countries tend to hold the survey once in five years.

Source: Oman News Agency