Iran War Strains the Economy as 27 Countries Seek Rapid Access to World Bank Funds

About 27 countries are preparing rapid access to World Bank funds since the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28, 2026. The move is intended to respond to the war’s economic impact, including a surge in energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and delays in shipments of essential fertilisers to developing countries. The information comes from internal World Bank documents seen by Reuters. The documents do not name the 27 countries, nor do they list the total amount of funds potentially sought. The World Bank declined to comment. Other countries are still completing administrative procedures. The instrument allows member states to access funding quickly from existing World Bank programmes. Kenya has faced higher fuel costs, while Iraq has seen a sharp drop in oil revenue. The war has unsettled global energy markets, with higher fuel prices, increased logistics costs, and disrupted supply chains for key commodities. The heaviest impact is felt by developing countries that rely on imports of energy, food, and fertilisers. The 27 countries are part of the 101 countries that already have access to the World Bank’s emergency financing instrument. Of those, 54 have signed the Rapid Response Option (RRO). The scheme allows countries to draw up to 10 percent of the World Bank’s undisbursed financing for emergency needs.