Commodity prices throughout the entire world are expected to rise by 23% in 2026, mainly because of conflicts that have been taking place in the Middle East and other global problems. The World Bank has clearly warned that higher prices for fuel, food, and other important goods could put more pressure on households, especially in countries that depend on imports.
According to the World Bank, energy prices are expected to increase by around 32% this year. One of the main reasons is the conflict in the Middle East, which has affected many criteria such as oil supplies and transport routes. The average price of Brent crude oil is expected to reach up to around $91 per barrel in 2026, compared with $69 in 2025, last year.
The increase in fuel prices could affect many other areas. Many areas, such as transport, farming, and manufacturing, all depend on energy. When fuel becomes pricier, businesses most often face higher costs. These costs can then be passed on to customers through higher prices for everyday products.
Food prices are also expected to rise. The World Bank has made predictions that food commodity prices will increase and rise up to around 10% in 2026 this year. Fertilizer prices are also expected to rise by 14%, which could make farming much pricier. Farmers who spend more on fuel, fertilizer, and transport may have to increase the prices of their crops to cover these costs.
Figures that were found recently by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also show signs of rising food prices. Its Food Price Index increased by 1.5% in September 2026 compared with the previous month. Wheat and maize prices also went up during this period, partly due to concerns about weather conditions and transport problems.
The impact might be far worse for countries that are currently still developing, where many families already spend a large part of their income on food and other basic needs. Countries that import fuel, fertilizer, and food could face higher costs, making it harder for governments and households to manage their budgets.
The World Bank has also given out clear warnings that state that prices could rise even further if the situation becomes worse. Continued conflict, damage to Russian oil facilities, problems with grain shipments from the Black Sea and extreme weather linked to El Niño could all add to the pressure on global food supplies.
Even though the World Bank expects overall commodity prices to fall by around 7% in 2027, the forecast does not mean that prices for consumers will quickly return right back to their previous levels. Families and businesses may continue to feel the effects of higher costs.
The latest report clearly shows how events in one part of the world can affect people in many other countries. Many aspects, such as conflicts, weather changes, and transport problems, can all influence the cost of everyday goods. For many families, the biggest concern is how these rising prices will affect their ability to afford basic needs.
Governments might also need to take steps to protect people from the effects of rising prices. Some countries could provide support to low-income families or help farmers manage the higher cost of supplies. However, such measures could be difficult for countries that are already dealing with financial problems. Experts who have analyzed the whole situation believe that keeping trade routes open and avoiding further conflict will be important in reducing pressure on global markets. Until the situation improves, many people may have to spend more on basic items, leaving less money for other household needs.
