Qatar's debt and debt-service burdens have continued to decline since fiscal year 2000-2001 and are projected to maintain their downward trend. These improvements have been driven mainly by increases in export receipts from liquefied natural gas (LNG), which should continue to grow over the next few years. The ratings on Qatar are also supported by: Prudent fiscal policy. Qatar's budget for 2003-2004 assumes an average oil price of $17 per barrel and targets a deficit of about 2.3% of GDP. Assuming an average oil price of about $27 per barrel, there will be a surplus of about 6% of GDP in 2003-2004. General government debt has declined in recent years to 54% of GDP at the end of fiscal year
