Dubai:

Qatar may raise $5 billion (Dh18.36 billion) in international capital markets through bonds as it seeks to plug its budget deficit due to falling gas prices, according to reports.

The world’s largest exporter of liquid gas has arranged meetings with investors in Asia, Europe and the US and hired 10 banks to sell the loan.

The bond could be issued on Wednesday, according to a banker involved in the deal, quoted in the report. Moody’s confirmed Qatar’s third-highest investment-grade rating last week.