Mumbai, April 15 -- International Monetary Fund or IMF stated in its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO that prices for energy commodities are expected to rise by 19 percent in 2026, as opposed to the small decline projected in the October 2025 WEO. Oil prices are expected to increase by 21.4 percent on account of disruptions to production and transportation in the Middle East, corresponding to the average petroleum spot price index averaging $82 per barrel. Natural gas prices are expected to be affected more than oil prices because of the technical complexity of restarting production and the comparatively lower level of reserves to fall back on. Food prices are expected to increase as well, more than projected in October 2025, on account o...