Muscat: The domestic liquidity and lending indicators in the Sultanate of Oman recorded a notable increase of RO1.8 billion by the end of April 2025, according to preliminary data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI).

According to Oman News Agency, the preliminary data shows that domestic liquidity (M2) rose by 7.5%, reaching RO 25.369 million, compared to RO 23,589.2 million during the same period in 2024, recording an increase of RO 1.8 billion. Conversely, the issued currency, or currency in circulation, declined by 7.7%, standing at RO 1,540.4 million by the end of April 2025, compared to RO 1,669.6 million in April 2024.

Narrow money supply (M1) saw a 12% increase, reaching RO 6,977.3 million, up from RO 6.231 million recorded at the end of April last year. Additionally, the data shows that private sector deposits with commercial banks and Islamic windows grew by 7.1%, totaling RO 21,516.9 million, compared to RO 20,086.6 million in April 2024.

Simultaneously, total credit and financing provided by commercial banks and Islamic windows increased by 9%, reaching RO 33,590.3 million, compared to RO 30,810.1 million during the same period last year. The average interest rate on total loans recorded a slight decline of 0.9%, reaching 5.555%, compared to 5.604%. Meanwhile, the net foreign assets rose by 3.2%, reaching RO 6.987 million by the end of April 2025, compared to RO 6,773.4 million in April 2024.

The real effective exchange rate index of the Omani Rial remained stable at 118.4 points, with no significant change.