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Bahraini ministers have been awarded new BMW cars, despite a growing government deficit and falling oil prices, it was reported on Wednesday.

An unnamed senior member of parliament told Gulf Daily News the cars were replacements were necessary as the current ministerial fleet had been in service since 2011.

The report said replacing the cars would less expensive than maintaining the current fleet.

The news comes as it was revealed earlier this month that Bahrain’s deficit for this year and next year could rise by up to two thirds to BD5 billion ($13.2 billion), as the oil-rich kingdom continues to feel the strain of falling oil prices, it was reported.

The deficit for 2015 and 2016 was originally estimated at around BD3 billion, but this was based on a budget based on an oil price of $60 a barrel.

With oil prices falling below $30, Shura Council Financial and Economic Affairs Committee Chairman Khalid Al Maskati said the deficit could widen by as much as 66 percent.