Overview
- The IMF and World Bank, which open their Spring Meetings Monday in Washington, signaled downgrades to global growth and higher inflation because war disruptions have choked energy supplies.
- IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said about 13% of global oil and 20% of gas shipments are stuck after five weeks of fighting, and she warned damaged energy sites could take years to return to full output.
- The IMF estimates $20–50 billion of near-term emergency demand from vulnerable countries, and the World Bank says it can mobilize about $25 billion now and up to $70 billion within six months.
- Governments moved to blunt the price shock, with Germany and Sweden announcing fuel tax relief and Nigeria asking for support as crude topped $100 and local pump prices surged.
- Officials caution that the strain will fall most on emerging and low‑income economies, with the IMF warning up to 45 million more people could face acute food insecurity and urging targeted, temporary aid to avoid stoking inflation.