Timor-Leste Petroleum Fund rises to US$18.43 billion in Second Quarter
DÍLI, 07 August 2026 (TATOLIU) — Timor-Leste’s Petroleum Fund balance increased by US$120 million in the second quarter of 2026, reaching US$18.43 billion at the end of June, supported by strong investment returns despite withdrawals to finance the state budget.
The Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL), which manages the fund’s investments under the investment strategy set by the Ministry of Finance, released the Petroleum Fund Quarterly Report for the period ending June 30.
According to the report, the fund’s balance rose from US$18.31 billion at the end of the first quarter to US$18.43 billion by the end of the second quarter.
“The report also shows that total receipts received during the quarter amounted to USD 9.62 million, and gross investment income totaled USD 719.09 million, comprising USD 141.48 million from interest/coupons and dividends received, and USD 577.61 million from changes in market value. Consequently, the return on the Petroleum Fund portfolio for the quarter from the financial markets was 4.05%, compared to its benchmark of 3.99%,” said in a statement.
During this quarter, total withdrawals from the Petroleum Fund amounted to USD 603.80 million, of which USD 600 million was transferred to the Treasury Account to finance the State Budget, and USD 3.80 million was used to pay investment management costs.
Since the establishment of the Petroleum Fund, total receipts have amounted to approximately USD 25.30 billion, total investment returns in the financial markets have reached USD 12.65 billion with an average annual return of 4.72%, and total withdrawals to finance the State Budget have amounted to USD 19.66 billion.
The quarterly report, the Petroleum Fund Law, and the Operational Management Agreement are available on the Central Bank of Timor-Leste website at https://www.bancocentral.tl.
TATOLI
