New Delhi, March 16 -- A sharp rise in crude oil prices could push global inflation higher and slow down global economic growth in 2026, according to Gita Gopinath, former Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Reacting to the recent surge in crude prices globally, Gopinath said that if oil prices average around USD 85 per barrel in 2026, it could significantly impact global economic indicators.

In a social media post, she stated, "If we are now looking at an average of USD 85 a barrel for oil for 2026 then that could shave off around 0.3-0.4pp from global growth. Headline inflation could rise by 60 bps. Before the Iran conflict global growth was projected at 3.3 per cent for 2026 on the assumption oil would average U...