The Washington Times

Qatar budget surplus soars under gas, oil sales

Gas and oil have been good to Qatar. In one year’s time, the nation’s budget surplus doubled to $26 billion from oil and gas imports, according to figures released Thursday by the Qatar Central Bank. The figures compare the July-August-September period over the past couple years.

Part of Qatar’s profits have gone to help Libyan and Syrian rebel fighters, the Associated Press reports.

The nation has also given $2.5 billion to boost Italy’s economy — in part, by funding fashion houses — and has extended similar investment offers to Greece, the AP reports. One of the nation’s favored investments?

Western luxury companies, like Tiffany & Co, where it has pumped unspecified amounts of cash, AP reports.

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About the Author

Cheryl K. Chumley

Cheryl Chumley is a continuous news writer for The Washington Times. Previously, she was part of the start-up team for The Washington Times’ digital aggregation product, Times247. She’s also a 2008-2009 Robert Novak journalism fellow with The Phillips Foundation. She can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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