Oman's merchandise trade surplus rose 2.3 per cent to RO9.24 billion ($24 billion) last year, boosted by strong energy exports, according to data released by the government's statistics centre on Tuesday.

Exports rose 10.7 per cent to RO20.05 billion, aided by an 8.9 per cent increase in the value of oil and gas shipments to Ro13.97 billion.

Imports expanded 19.0 per cent to RO10.81 billion, partly because of a 36.2 per cent jump to RO2.56 billion in purchases of transport equipment. Flag carrier Oman Air added two aircraft to its fleet last year.-Reuters