What specific actions did the IMF, World Bank, and IEA urge countries to avoid, and why?

The IMF, World Bank, and IEA urged countries to avoid hoarding energy supplies and imposing export controls, warning that such measures could worsen what they called 'the biggest shock ever to the global energy market.' IEA chief Fatih Birol appealed for countries to let energy stocks flow freely to markets, while IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva emphasized the principle 'do no harm'—stating that export restrictions only exacerbate market disequilibrium and would deepen the war’s negative impact on growth and inflation, especially for vulnerable regions like Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and some South Pacific islands.

How severe is the current global energy disruption according to the IEA, and what concrete response has the IEA taken?

According to IEA chief Fatih Birol, the conflict has triggered 'the worst global energy disruption ever,' with more than 80 oil and gas facilities across the Middle East damaged to date; he stressed that 'no country is immune' and warned the situation could worsen further. In response, the IEA has already released 400 million barrels of oil from its reserves—representing 20% of its total stockpile—and confirmed it retains 80% in reserve, standing ready to act immediately with additional releases if deemed necessary.

IMF, World Bank, IEA Urge Countries to Halt Energy Hoarding and Export Controls

Apr 13, 2026

Major international bodies warned against energy hoarding and export restrictions amid a severe Middle East conflict, citing the biggest energy market shock ever. Oil prices exceeded $100/barrel, driving up gas and fertilizer costs and threatening global food security.

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IMF, World Bank, IEA Urge Countries to Halt Energy Hoarding and Export Controls

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