Muscat: The total issuance of Government Treasury Bills has reached RO 76.4 million, showcasing the government's strategic financial planning and market engagement.

According to Oman News Agency, the issuance saw Treasury bills allotted in varying maturities with distinct financial metrics. A portion valued at RO 0.2 million was issued for a maturity period of 28 days, with an average accepted price of RO 99.750 for every RO 100. The associated average discount rate and yield were recorded at 3.25893% and 3.26710%, respectively.

In a separate tranche, Treasury bills amounting to RO 60.3 million were allocated for a 91-day maturity. The average accepted price stood at RO 99.031 per RO 100, while the minimum accepted price was RO 98.030 per RO 100. The average discount rate and yield for this tranche were 3.88833% and 3.92640%, respectively.

Additionally, RO 15.9 million worth of Treasury bills were allotted for a 182-day maturity period, with both the average and minimum accepted prices recorded at RO 98.066 and RO 98.060 per RO 100, respectively. This segment exhibited an average discount rate and yield of 3.87918% and 3.95570%.

Treasury Bills, recognized as highly secure short-term financial instruments, are issued by the Ministry of Finance. They present an investment avenue for licensed commercial banks to allocate their surplus funds with the assurance of security and liquidity.

The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) plays a pivotal role as the Issue Manager, facilitating liquidity through discounting and repurchase facilities (Repo). The interest rate on Repo operations with CBO is set at 4.25%, while the Treasury Bills Discounting Facility carries a discount rate of 4.75%.

These Treasury Bills not only bolster the local money market by establishing a benchmark yield curve for short-term interest rates but also serve as a financial instrument for the Government to manage recurrent expenditures when necessary.