The IMF has cut its global economic growth forecast, warning that rising energy costs and supply disruptions are dragging down growth, and that aid injections may be needed up to $50 billion.
On 10 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), announced plans to lower the global economic growth forecast due to ongoing economic pressures from the Middle East war. Despite a temporary ceasefire agreement, even in the best-case scenario, the world cannot easily return to normal because of deep impacts from the war, including higher energy costs, infrastructure damage, supply chain interruptions, and reduced market confidence.
The IMF also warned that economies in conflict zones could shrink by about 3% at the start of the war and may recover slowly over the long term. It anticipates emergency financial aid needs for affected countries to range between $20 billion and $50 billion (approximately 700 billion to 1.8 trillion baht), especially if the situation remains unresolved.
Meanwhile, Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, stated that developing countries, particularly low-income nations reliant on energy imports, will be severely affected. This impact is reflected in rising global inflation due to higher costs of energy, fertilizers, and transportation. Food insecurity could affect at least 45 million people. The World Bank may allocate about $25 billion in urgent aid, with the potential to increase to $60 billion over the longer term if necessary.
Source: AFP