Leading multilateral institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group, and International Energy Agency (IEA), have warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East is causing widening disruptions to the global economy, with growing risks to food security, employment, and overall economic stability.
The warning was issued in a joint statement following a high-level coordination meeting at the start of the 2026 Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The institutions said the conflict has created “substantial, global and highly asymmetric” economic shocks, with low-income and energy-importing countries among the hardest hit.
They noted that rising prices of oil, gas, and fertilisers are already increasing food insecurity and threatening jobs worldwide. The disruption of key shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, was also highlighted as a major risk to global energy supply chains and commodity flows.
The organisations further explained that while energy-exporting countries in the Middle East are losing revenue, import-dependent nations are facing rising costs, fiscal pressure, and broader economic strain. They warned that damage to infrastructure could keep fuel and fertiliser prices elevated, affecting agriculture, manufacturing, and trade.
The IMF, World Bank, and IEA said they are intensifying cooperation to support affected countries through policy advice and financial assistance. They added that continued international coordination will be essential to stabilise markets and support a resilient global recovery.