DILI, 08 May 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste’s Petroleum Fund balance fell to $18.31 billion in the first quarter of 2026 from $18.61 billion in the previous quarter, according to the Central Bank of Timor-Leste report released on Friday.
BCTL Executive Director Tobias Ferreira said the sovereign wealth fund recorded a negative investment return amid a decline in market value.
“The report shows that the capital/balance of the Petroleum Fund for this quarter stood at US$18.31 billion, compared to US$18.61 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025,” the report said.
The report also indicates that total receipts received during the quarter amounted to USD 4.50 million, and gross investment income totaled USD -97.72 million, comprising USD 131.98 million from interest/coupons and dividends received, and USD -229.70 million from changes in market value. Consequently, the return on the Petroleum Fund portfolio for the quarter from the financial markets was -0.62%, compared to its benchmark of -0.68%.
Total withdrawals from the fund during the quarter reached $204.18 million, including $200 million transferred to the Treasury Account to finance the State Budget and $4.18 million used to pay investment management costs.
Since the establishment of the Petroleum Fund, total receipts have amounted to approximately $25.29 billion, while total investment returns have reached $11.93 billion, with an average annual return of 4.58%.
Total withdrawals to finance the state budget have amounted to $19.06 billion since the fund was created.
The Petroleum Fund Law stipulates that the Ministry of Finance sets the investment strategy, while the Central Bank of Timor-Leste carries out the operational management of investments.
The quarterly report, Petroleum Fund Law and Operational Management Agreement are available on the Central Bank’s website at www.bancocentral.tl.
TATOLI
