Oman's government expenditures during the first nine months of 2005 were higher compared to the same period in 2004, indicated an Economy Ministry report. There was an increase in expenditures for defense and national security from OR 776 million during the first nine months of 2004 to OR 940 million in 2005. Local government expenditures grew from OR 875 million in 2004 to OR 906 million in 2005. There was an increase in interest payments on loans from OR 42.4 million to OR 54.3 million. The increase in oil distribution rose from OR 92.9 million to OR 107.9 million, and for natural gas distribution the rise was from OR 15 million to OR 31.5 million.
