World Bank Warns of Up to 24% Energy Price Surge in 2026 Amid Middle East Tensions
The World Bank has projected that global energy prices could rise by as much as 24% in 2026 due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to its latest report.
The report states that even if the current tensions ease by May, a significant increase in prices is still expected to persist. However, if the situation escalates further and supply disruptions intensify, energy prices could climb even higher.
According to the World Bank, attacks on key energy infrastructure and disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz have severely impacted oil supply. The waterway is a critical global chokepoint, handling a substantial share of the world’s oil shipments.
The التقرير forecasts that the average price of Brent crude oil will reach $86 per barrel in 2026, compared to $69 per barrel in 2025, reflecting the upward pressure on global markets.
The World Bank has cautioned that further damage to major oil and gas facilities, along with continued trade disruptions, could push Brent prices even higher.
Despite these risks, the report suggests that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz may gradually recover to near pre-conflict levels by October, provided the situation stabilizes.
