According to data released by the Bank of Greece, the central government cash balance recorded a deficit of 2.499 billion euros in the period January – September this year, compared to a deficit of 2.213 billion in the same period in 2014.

The central bank said that during this period ordinary budget revenue reached 31.463 billion euros, compared to 34.459 billion in the same period of last year.

Revenue of 55 million euros regarding Securities Markets Programme (SMP) income transfers from the Bank of Greece is not included.

Ordinary budget expenditure reached 33.832 billion euros, from 36.447 billion in January-September 2014.

Regarding spending on interest, it grew to 5.177 billion euros, from 4.89 billion last year.

The state budget recorded a primary deficit of 390 million euros in September, from a primary surplus of 440 million euros last year.

During the nine months, the primary surplus was 2.67 billion euros, from 2.75 billion euros in the same period last year.