The World Bank is in talks with 30 to 40 countries about crisis assistance after the Middle East conflict pushed energy, diesel and fertilizer prices higher, President Ajay Banga told Reuters.
How much support could be available?
Banga said an initial crisis window of $25 billion could be combined with up to $35 billion in reallocated resources from already approved World Bank projects. That creates a possible initial range of $50 billion to $60 billion, not a single approved grant package for all countries.
He said the World Bank could make up to $100 billion available if conditions worsened. The figure is a potential capacity, not money already distributed. Many countries are also interested in restructuring existing projects rather than using a new emergency window.
Why developing economies are vulnerable
Higher diesel and fertilizer costs can quickly raise transport and food-production expenses. Banga also said developing countries are expected to pay about $400 billion to external creditors in 2026, with roughly one-third going to interest payments.
For related economic context, read NewesInfo’s UNCTAD global-growth report and drugmaker investment coverage.
Sources: Reuters interview with Ajay Banga · Global Banking & Finance report · UNN report