Oman’s 2017 budget will not include any cut in wages and salaries, as well as the basic services provided to citizens, according to the head of Economic Committee of Shura Council Saleh Musin. The 2017 budget would be similar to the 2016 budget, with the projected average oil price of USD45/barrel, Musin said, adding that the 2016 general budget focuses heavily on austerity measures, starting from ministers’ cars to the ministries lights with projection of OMR3.3bn in deficit. “To increase non-oil revenues, Oman will increase taxes on individuals but the Economic Committee affirmed that levying taxes should apply on rich people, not middle and low income individuals,” he said. The Shura Council referred the 2017 budget plans to the State Council on Monday for review, which will send its report to the Council of Ministers with its recommendations, along with that of the Shura. (Gulf News)