Oman will introduce 100% tax on tobacco, alcohol and pork meat from June 15, as the sultanate follows other Gulf governments in trying to reduce its reliance on oil revenue.
Energy drinks will also be subject to a 100% levy and there will be a 50% tax on carbonated drinks, according to the website of the Secretariat General for Taxation. The new taxes could generate about 100 million Omani rial (US$260 million) annually, Saleh bin Said Masan, head of the economic and financial committee at the Shura Council, said in November.
Oman delayed the introduction of the taxes by at least 18 months, even as the largest Arab crude producer outside Opec contends with lower oil prices and dwindling reserves. The country’s slow progress in making fiscal reforms has contributed to a slumping into junk grades from credit-rating providers, as well as fuelling concerns that it may need to follow Bahrain in seeking a bailout from wealthier neighbours.
Oman’s current account deficit may widen to 9.1% this year, according to economists’ estimates compiled by Bloomberg. Economic growth may speed up to 2.3% from 2.1%, the data show.