Global Economy — 2026-04-28
World Bank Forecasts Energy Prices to Rise 25 Percent in 2026 Amid Middle East Conflict
The World Bank projected that oil and gas prices will rise 25 percent in 2026 compared to 2025, with overall energy prices climbing 24 percent due to the Middle East conflict and Hormuz disruptions, according to its April 28
Analysis
The World Bank's formal projection, sourced to a single Romanian outlet without a confirmed link to the underlying April 28 report, converts market-level Hormuz pressure into a named multilateral anchor, raising the political cost of inaction for energy-importing governments. The structural character of the disruption means developing-economy importers with thin subsidy reserves will face widening import bills throughout the year. Brent crude islikely to trade above USD 100 per barrel at least once before year-end 2026, though the projection may embed worst-case Hormuz closure assumptions that current shipping data do not yet support, overstating the central price trajectory for near-term planning.
The World Bank's formal projection, sourced to a single Romanian outlet without a confirmed link to the underlying April 28 report, converts market-level Hormuz pressure into a named multilateral anchor, raising the political cost of inaction for energy-importing governments. The structural character of the disruption means developing-economy importers with thin subsidy reserves will face widening import bills throughout the year. Brent crude is
2 sources
- World Bank forecasts energy prices rise 25 percent in 2026 -
News Pravda Romania - Middle East War to Spark Biggest Energy Price Surge in Four Years -
World Bank