Revenue from Egypt's Suez Canal declined 16.7 percent to $2.262 billion in the period from July to December 2009, the central bank said on its website on Thursday.   

Revenue was $2.715 billion in the same period a year ago.   

The canal is a vital source of foreign currency in Egypt, along with tourism, oil and gas exports and remittances from Egyptians living abroad. The fiscal year in Egypt starts in July. - Reuters