Nigeria, March 31 -- From a new perspective, the fund indicated the most imminent danger to be energy supply interruptions. Already under stress are important shipping lanes like the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a large portion of world oil and gas traffic, thereby increasing worldwide gasoline prices.

For nations relying on imports, this implies greater prices for companies and consumers; even oil-producing countries have uncertainty that could reduce long-term investment.



Also spreading across international trade are the ripple effects. Shipping delays, greater freight costs, and increasing insurance premiums are upsetting supply networks.

Particularly in low-income countries, rising food prices and lowering agricultural produ...