Although there is a need for the government to rein in the fiscal deficit-to cool the economy and to avoid financing problems (outstanding public debt is estimated to have reached nearly 57% of annual GDP at end-2010)-the government will struggle to narrow the deficit during the forecast period. The government recently revealed that it would cut planned investment spending this year by D50trn (US$2.4bn), or around 7.4% of the original budget for the year. If implemented, the measure would help to lower the deficit, but it could yet prove difficult to administer such cuts in expenditure. Nevertheless, the government is still expected to record a lower deficit this year than in 2010, as high crude oil prices will boost official revenue (the authorities derive substantial tax revenue and royalties from the oil and gas sector). The Economist Intelligence Unit therefore expects the budget deficit to narrow to 4.7% of GDP this year, from an estimated 5.5% in 2010 and 7% in 2009. Government revenue will continue to be supported to some extent by strong economic growth in the remainder of the forecast period, and global prices for crude oil will remain relatively high. However, heavy spending on infrastructure and social welfare programmes will keep the budget deficit at around 5% of GDP in 2012-15.