Conflict in Middle East Could Bring 'Dual Shock' to Global Commodity Markets

October 30, 2023--October 30, 2023--Impact limited so far but energy-market turmoil could intensify food insecurity
Although the global economy is in a much better position than it was in the 1970s to cope with a major oil-price shock, an escalation of the latest conflict in the Middle East-which comes on top of disruptions caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine-could push global commodity markets into uncharted waters, according to the World Bank's latest Commodity Markets Outlook.

The report provides a preliminary assessment of the potential near-term implications of the conflict for commodity markets. It finds that the effects should be limited if the conflict doesn’t widen. Under the Bank's baseline forecast, oil prices are expected to average $90 a barrel in the current quarter before declining to an average of $81 a barrel next year as global economic growth slows.

Overall commodity prices are projected to fall 4.1% next year. Prices of agricultural commodities are expected to decline next year as supplies rise. Prices of base metals are also projected to drop 5% in 2024. Commodity prices are expected to stabilize in 2025.