The World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) warned that rising oil, natural gas, and fertilizer prices caused by the Middle East war could lead to higher food prices and worsen food insecurity worldwide.
In a joint statement following a meeting on the conflict, the institutions said the heaviest burden would fall on vulnerable populations, particularly in low-income, import-dependent countries.
They pledged to closely monitor developments and “coordinate the use of all available tools to support those impacted by the crisis.”
U.S. President Donald Trump recently announced a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. However, fighting continues across the region, including Israeli strikes on Lebanon and Iranian attacks on Gulf oil facilities.
“The Middle East war is upending lives and livelihoods in the region and beyond. It has already triggered one of the largest disruptions to global energy markets in modern history,” the statement said.
Rising fuel and fertilizer prices, coupled with transport bottlenecks, are expected to drive food prices higher, particularly affecting countries with fiscal constraints and high debt, limiting their capacity to support vulnerable households.
The institutions also pledged to provide support within their mandates and help lay the groundwork for a resilient recovery. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said the IMF is coordinating with the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization on food security.
The WFP previously warned that millions could face acute hunger if the conflict continues into June. While a food crisis has not yet emerged, Georgieva noted that disruptions to fertilizer delivery could trigger one.
