Fitch says Saudi Arabia's 2027 pre-budget statement flags Iran war fiscal pressures

Business Recorder reported on 5 October that ratings agency Fitch has flagged fiscal pressures in the kingdom's 2027 pre-budget statement, linking them to the US-Iran war. According to the agency, the government is projecting higher spending and wider budget deficits. The assessment points to clear strain on Saudi public finances ahead of the 2027 budget.

Fitch noted the kingdom's projected 2026 deficit equals 4.9% of GDP, above the target in its 2026 budget. That is still below the 5.8% deficit recorded in 2025, the agency said on Monday. A separate headline in the same feed says Saudi Arabia unexpectedly cut its November oil prices for Asia to 6-year lows. The excerpt provided gives no further detail on the reasons for that decision.