The World Bank Group says the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is already driving up global costs and disrupting supply chains, with developing countries feeling the pressure.
In a statement, the World Bank said several of its clients in emerging markets have reached out as the crisis begins to affect commodity prices and logistics.
“A number of the World Bank Group’s clients in emerging markets have reached out to us as the conflict in the Middle East has started to impact commodity prices and logistics. We are working with governments, the private sector, regional partners, and other stakeholders to help them through this new set of challenges.”
The institution said it is closely tracking developments and engaging directly with the most affected countries.
“We are closely monitoring global market developments, and we are in direct contact with the most affected client countries to understand what they are facing on the ground.”
The statement highlighted sharp increases in key global prices, warning of broader risks to food and energy security.
“Shipping route disruptions are increasing costs, and supply risks are spreading from energy into fertilisers and other critical agricultural inputs. Crude oil prices increased by nearly 40 percent between February and March, the price of liquefied natural gas shipments to Asia rose by almost two-thirds, and the prices of nitrogen-based fertilisers increased by nearly 50 percent in March.”
The World Bank said it is moving quickly to support countries facing the fallout.
“The World Bank Group is moving quickly to help client countries to navigate this crisis. We are ready to respond at scale — combining immediate financial relief with policy expertise and private sector support for the recovery of jobs and growth.”
It added that support will be delivered through multiple channels, including direct financing and private sector assistance.
“We will draw on the full range of instruments we have available to support governments, firms, and households. Our aim is to deliver immediate relief by leveraging our active portfolio, our crisis response toolkit, and pre-arranged financing facilities.”
“We will transition progressively to fast-disbursing instruments anchored in sound policies to underpin recovery. Through our private sector arms, we will provide firms with essential liquidity, trade finance, and working capital.”
The World Bank warned the situation remains uncertain and could worsen if the conflict drags on.
“Clearly, this is an evolving situation and we cannot predict the full range of impacts. As everyone has said, the longer this lasts, and the more damage there is to critical infrastructure, the more challenging this will be for our clients.”
Despite the risks, the institution said it remains committed to supporting countries through the crisis.
“That said, we are determined to be helpful and do all we can to safeguard some of the hard-won economic progress that these countries are making.”
