Govt spending projected to rise

DAMMAM, 11 June  — Government spending in the current financial year is projected to reach SR215 billion, a rise of 16.2 percent compared to the outlay in 2000, according to a recent study conducted by the Saudi British Bank.

This year's revenue is expected to remain at SR215 billion as against SR248 billion last year.

The increase in revenue last year was attributed to high oil prices.

Oil revenue is projected at SR170 billion this year while income from non-oil sources will be between SR45 billion and SR49 billion.