News

Oil Hovers Below Seven-Month HighSingapore, 24 Feb (ONA) --- Oil prices hovered today below their highest level in nearly seven months amid conditions in the Middle East, along with continued uncertainty about US trade policy. Brent crude futures fell nine cents, or 0.1 percent, to USD 71.40 a barrel, after a volatile trading session on Monday during which prices touched their highest level since 31 July 2025 at USD 72.50, before swinging between gains and losses of more than 1 percent. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also declined 11 cents, or 0.2 percent, to USD 66.20 a barrel, ...

Workshop Explores Capacity Building in Climate Finance Muscat, 24 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Alizz Islamic Bank today hosted a workshop on capacity building in climate finance for Omani banks at its headquarters. The event was organized by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, in cooperation with the Oman Banks Association. The workshop addressed prominent global trends in climate finance, priority sectors in the Sultanate of Oman, climate-related risk management, and international best practices and standards. Climate finance experts from ...

Oman’s Inflation Rate Rises by 1.4 Percent Muscat, 24 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The General Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the Sultanate of Oman recorded an increase of 1.4 percent in January 2026 compared to the same month in 2025, based on the 2018 base year. Data issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealed that the "Miscellaneous Personal Goods and Services" group led the increases with a significant rise of 13.2 percent. This was followed by the "Restaurants and Hotels" group at 5.9 percent, the "Furniture, Household Equipment, and Routine ...

Oman Oil Price Up By 46 Cents Muscat, 24 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The price of Oman oil (April 2026 Delivery) today reached 70.42 US Dollars, rising 46 cents over the price of yesterday (Monday) which stood at 69.96 US Dollars. The average monthly price of Omani oil for February 2026 Delivery was 62.09 US Dollars per barrel, down by 2.35 US Dollars as against the price of January 2026 Delivery. --- Ends/AG ...

MSX Drops 7 Points Muscat, 23 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Muscat Stock Exchange "30" index concluded today's trading session at 7,176.76 points, dropping 40.6 points, which constitutes a decline by 0.56 percent from the previous close of 7,217.35 points. Trading value soared to RO 54,850,766, marking a 54.6 percent decrease compared to the prior session's RO 35,470,364. Market capitalization went down by 0.285 percent relative to the last trading day, reaching approximately RO 35.78 billion, according to the official report issued by the MSX. Non-Omani investors recorded ...

Tender Results of Government Treasury Bills Worth RO 33 Million Issued Muscat, 23 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The total issuance of Government Treasury Bills amounted to RO 33 million. The value of the allotted Treasury bills amounted to RO 33 million, for a maturity period of 91 days. The average accepted price reached RO 99.044 for every RO 100, and the minimum accepted price arrived at RO 99.040 per RO 100. The average discount rate and the average yield reached 3.83353% and 3.87053%, respectively. Treasury Bills are short-term highly secured financial instruments issued by the ...

More Than 137,000 Tourists Visited Oman Onboard Cruise Ships, Yachts in 2025 Muscat, 23 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has said that 137,330 tourists visited the Sultanate of Oman onboard cruise ships and yachts in 2025. The Ministry affirmed its determination to develop the sector of cruise ships and yachts,in partnership with the authorities concerned. The Ministry explained that efforts will focus on facilitating the reception of international cruise liners and the attraction of tourists from target markets in a manner that contributes to the ...

Oil Prices Decline Amid US-Iran Nuclear Talks and Fresh Tariff UncertaintiesSingapore, 23 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Oil prices fell by approximately 1 percent today, pressured by the prospect of a third round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, compounded by mounting uncertainty surrounding global economic growth and fuel demand following the announcement of new US tariff increases.Brent crude futures declined by 75 cents, or 1.05 percent, settling at $71.01 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped 74 cents, or 1.11 percent, to $65.74 per barrel.US ...

Gold Climbs to 3-week High as Dollar WeakensSingapore, 23 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Gold climbed to ‌a three-week high today as uncertainty stoked by the US Supreme Court's decision to strike down ‌a vast swathe of President Donald Trump's tariffs. Spot gold climbed 1.2% to USD 5,163.60 per ounce, its highest in three weeks. US gold futures for April delivery were up 2% at USD 5,184.90. Regarding other precious metals, spot silver climbed 3.1% to USD 87.10 per ounce, its highest level in more than two weeks. Spot platinum edged 1.2% higher to USD 2,182.60 per ounce, while palladium ​slipped ...

Dollar Falls After US Tariff RulingSingapore, 23 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The US dollar fell today as traders assessed the US Supreme Court's decision to cancel the tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, which was seen as a factor supporting global growth. The euro rose 0.4 percent to reach USD 1.1820, and the British pound also climbed by 0.3 percent to USD 1.3516 during the Asian trading session, which was relatively quiet due to a holiday in Japan and Lunar New Year celebrations in China. In contrast, the dollar retreated 0.4 percent against the Japanese yen to reach JPY 154.40, and the ...

Oman Air to Operate Direct Flights to Tashkent Muscat, 23 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Oman Air has announced the launch of direct flights between Muscat and Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, starting in June 2026. This move marks a significant step in enhancing the airline's international destination network. The new service will operate with a frequency of two flights per week, providing passengers with streamlined access between the two capitals and strengthening aerial connectivity between the Sultanate of Oman and the Central Asian region. Tashkent becomes the eighth destination ...

Madayn Floats Phase 1 Tender for Al Suwaiq Industrial City Al Suwaiq, 23 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Public Establishment for Industrial Estates “Madayn” announced the floating of the tender to implement the infrastructure and facilities for phase 1 of Al Suwaiq Industrial City in the Governorate of North Al Batinah. Hamood Al Balushi, Assistant Director General of Al Suwaiq Industrial City, said that Phase 1 development covers an area of five million sqm and comprises the construction of internal roads, water, electricity, and sewage networks, as well as other essential ...

MSX Drops 7 Points Muscat, 22 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Muscat Stock Exchange "30" index concluded today's trading session at 7,217.35 points, dropping 7.8 points, which constitutes a decline by 0.11 percent from the previous close of 7,225.18 points. Trading value soared to RO 35,470,364, marking a 20.8 percent decrease compared to the prior session's RO 44,760,620. Market capitalization went down by 0.138 percent relative to the last trading day, reaching approximately RO 35.88 billion, according to the official report issued by the MSX. Non-Omani investors recorded ...

Regulation Issued for Buy Now, Pay Later Service Muscat, 22 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) has issued a regulation governing the practice of the “Buy Now, Pay Later” (BNPL) service. The move is part of CBO’s ongoing efforts to develop regulatory frameworks and keep pace with rapid developments in the financial sector. This step comes within the Bank’s commitment to organizing this service and establishing the necessary controls and procedures to ensure it is conducted in a disciplined and transparent manner. The “Buy Now, Pay Later” ...

Oman Discusses Enhancing Logistical Integration with Uzbekistan Tashkent, 22 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Eng. Khamis Mohammed Al Shamakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, held a series of meetings and discussions with several government entities and businessmen in the Republic of Uzbekistan. These sessions focused on addressing logistical challenges and enhancing trade flows, alongside exploring joint investment opportunities in transport infrastructure and logistical services. These meetings took place during the ...

MSX Drops 68 Points Muscat, 19 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Muscat Stock Exchange "30" index concluded today's trading session at 7,225.18 points, dropping 68.9 points, which constitutes a decline by 0.94 percent from the previous close of 7,294.10 points. Trading value soared to RO 44,760,620, marking a 3.76 percent decrease compared to the prior session's RO 46,511,055. Market capitalization went down by 0.485 percent relative to the last trading day, reaching approximately RO 35.93 billion, according to the official report issued by the MSX. Non-Omani investors recorded ...

Tender Board Awards Over RO 32m Worth of Contracts, Additional Works Muscat, 19 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Tender Board, in its first meeting of 2026, awarded several tenders and additional works for developmental projects across various sectors with a total value of RO 32,597,355. The meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Dr. Khamis Saif Al Jabri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Board. The works approved for award and adoption during the meeting include a project to construct two flood protection dams on Wadi Al Ansab in Muscat Governorate, valued at RO ...

Oman Oil Price Up By $3.25 Muscat, 19 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The price of Oman oil (April 2026 Delivery) today reached $70.12, rising $3.25 over yesterday’s price of $66.87. The average monthly price of Oman oil for February 2026 Delivery was $62.09 per barrel, down by $2.35 as against the price of January 2026 Delivery. --- Ends/Bishara ...

Oil Prices Decline Amid Regional TensionTokyo, 19 Feb 2026 (ONA) —- Oil prices declined in early Asian trading today after rising four percent the previous day, as investors assessed efforts by the United States and Iran to resolve their dispute despite intensified military activities in the key oil-producing region. Brent crude futures fell by 12 cents, or 0.2 percent, to $70.23 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude dropped by eight cents, or 0.1 percent, to $65.11 per barrel. Both benchmarks had settled more than four percent higher yesterday, Wednesday, marking their highest ...

Gold Falls on Firm Dollar, Markets Await US Inflation DataSingapore, 19 Feb 2026 (ONA) —- Gold prices edged lower today after a more than 2% gain in the previous session, as the US dollar firmed ahead of a key inflation report due later this week that could provide more cues on the US interest rate trajectory. Spot gold dipped 0.4% to $4,961.57 per ounce, ‌after gaining ⁠2.1% ⁠in the previous session. US gold futures for April delivery were down 0.6% at $4,981. Spot silver eased 0.5% to $76.83 per ounce after dropping more than 5% yesterday. Spot platinum edged 0.1% down to $2,069.35 ...

OPAZ Board of Directors Holds First Meeting in 2026 Muscat, 18 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) today held its first meeting in 2026. The meeting was chaired by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Chairman of OPAZ Board of Directors. Acting on behalf of all estates, Al Yousef expressed gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan for the issuance of Royal decree No. (30/2026) on the ratification of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the government of the Sultanate of Oman and ...

MSX Drops 12 Points Muscat, 18 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Muscat Stock Exchange "30" index concluded today's trading session at 7,294.10 points, dropping 12.5 points, which constitutes a decline by 0.17 percent from the previous close of 7,306.61 points. Trading value soared to RO 46,511,055, marking a 70.7 percent decrease compared to the prior session's RO 158,783,295. Market capitalization went down by 0.012 percent relative to the last trading day, reaching approximately RO 36.11 billion, according to the official report issued by the MSX. Non-Omani investors recorded ...

Gold Rises on Dip-buying After Over 2% DropSingapore, 18 Feb (ONA) --- Gold edged up today on dip-buying, after losing more than 2% in the last session. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $4,886.69 per ounce, after declining more than 2% to a more than one-week low on Tuesday. Spot silver fell 0.8% to $72.86 per ounce after dropping over 4% in the last session. Spot platinum gained 0.9% to $2,025.80 per ounce, while palladium added 0.5% to $1,690.54. ...

Dollar Holds Gains Amid Anticipation of Interest Rate IndicatorsTokyo, 18 Feb (ONA) --- The dollar held its ground today as geopolitical risks kept markets on edge and investors awaited minutes from the Federal Reserve for signals on future rate cuts. The yen was steady after data showing a rebound in Japanese manufacturer sentiment. The kiwi held gains before a decision by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, which is widely expected to hold on rates. The dollar index, which measures the greenback against a basket of currencies, was little changed at 97.11 after a two-day advance. The ⁠euro ...

Oil Prices Trim Losses from Previous Session Singapore, 18 Feb 2026 (ONA) - Oil prices steadied in Asian trade today after falling about 2% in the previous session as investors assessed progress in Iran-US talks. Brent futures rose 15 cents or 0.22% to $67.57 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was up 12 cents or 0.19% at $62.45. Both are around two-week lows. ...

Inflation in France Cools to 0.4% in JanuaryParis, 18 Feb (ONA) - Data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) showed that France's inflation rate slowed to 0.4 percent year-on-year in January, compared to a rise of 0.7 percent in December 2025. It said in a statement today that this decline in the pace of inflation was due to the slowdown in the price of services, which recorded an increase of 1.7 percent last January after 2.1 percent in the previous month, in addition to a sharper decline in manufactured goods prices, which fell by 1.2 percent compared ...

European Stocks Open Higher Brussels, 18 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- European stock indices opened higher today, buoyed by corporate earnings reports and anticipation of the artificial intelligence sector. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index rose 0.4%, supported by gains in the defense sector as well as major stocks, despite some caution among investors. Germany's DAX index in Frankfurt climbed 0.58%, while France's CAC 40 index gained 0.39%. UK's FTSE 100 index advanced 0.35%, and Italy's MIB index rose 0.66%. ...

National Promotional Offers Campaign "Oman Celebrates" Concludes Muscat, 18 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion today concluded the activities of the third edition of the national discounts and promotional offers campaign, "Oman Celebrates." The organization of the event came as a culmination of the success achieved by the campaign during the period from 11 January to 11 February, 2026. The campaign saw the participation of 1,574 retail outlets across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, compared to 814 outlets in the ...

Workshop Held on Local Content in Transport, Communications and Information Technology Projects Muscat, 18 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology today organized a workshop titled "Local Content in the Ministry's Projects – Consultants, Contractors, Key Partners." The event aimed to enhance partnership and integration between the ministry and the companies implementing its projects, supporting joint efforts to develop and apply local content requirements and solidify its role as a key driver for achieving sustainable added value ...

Oman Oil Price Declines 16 Cents Muscat, 18 Feb 2026 (ONA) --- Oman oil price (April delivery 2026) today reached 66.87 US Dollars, comprising a decline by 16 Cents compared to the price of yesterday “Tuesday,” which stood at 67.03 US Dollars. The average price of Oman oil (February delivery 2026) stabilized at 62.09 US Dollars per barrel, thus 2.35 US Dollars per barrel lower than January delivery 2026. ---Ends/AH ...