New Delhi, April 13 -- Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, last week warned that the ongoing Middle East conflict has triggered a major global economic shock, with lasting consequences for growth, inflation, and energy markets.

Delivering a curtain-raiser speech ahead of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, Georgieva said the war has severely disrupted oil and gas supplies, damaged critical infrastructure, and heightened uncertainty in global trade and transport routes.

"The conflict has caused considerable hardship around the globe. My heart goes out to all people affected by this war and all wars," noted the IMF Director

She noted that key energy hubs, including major liquefied natural gas...