Dili, May 8, 2026 (Lusa) – The Timor-Leste Petroleum Fund ended the first quarter of the year with a value of US$18.31 billion, US$300 million less than at the end of 2025, the Central Bank (BCTL) announced on Friday.

The Petroleum Fund’s capital stood at US$18.31 billion (€15.59 billion) on 31 March, according to the quarterly report from the Central Bank.

This compares with US$18.61 billion (€15.85 billion) at the end of the previous quarter on 31 December 2025.

It indicates that gross inflows into the fund from royalties and taxes totalled US$4.5 million (€3.83 million).

Outflows during the first quarter of 2026 reached US$204.18 million (€173.87 million). Of this amount, US$200 million were transferred to the state budget and US$4.18 million covered management expenses, according to the Central Bank.

Timor-Leste created the Petroleum Fund in 2005, and the BCTL manages the portfolio.

Since its inception, total revenues have reached approximately US$25.28 billion (€21.39 billion), while the investment return stands at US$12.03 billion (€10.18 billion). The amount withdrawn to finance various general state budgets totals US$18.86 billion (€15.95 billion).

The national parliament must approve all transfers from the Petroleum Fund.

MSE/RYOL // AYLS

Lusa