In 2008, food price increases hit poorer countries hard, posing serious economic and political problems around the world. The global economic slowdown has compounded these problems.
Global Slowdown Compounds Food, Fuel Crisis Impact
Low-income countries, already weakened by high food and energy prices in 2008, are likely to see their economies hit hard by the effects of the financial crisis in advanced economies, according to IMF and World Bank economists.
This page brings together information on the food and fuel crisis, and provides an update about what we're doing and where.
Food
Global Slowdown Damages Progress in Low-Income Countries
January 23, 2009
High Food, Fuel Prices a Threat Where Protection Limited
October 21, 2008
Strauss-Kahn on the 'Other Crisis': Food and Fuel Prices
October 6, 2008
Study: Food and Fuel Prices Update
September 24, 2008
Price Surge Driving Some Countries Close to Tipping Point
July 1, 2008
Food Security and the Increase in Global Food Prices: Speech by the IMF's Mark Plant
June 19, 2008
Strauss-Kahn: Donor Support of Food Aid is "Moral and Economic Imperative" (Press Release)
June 3, 2008
Food Crisis: IMF Backs Some Policy Responses, Voices Caution on Others
May 23, 2008
Fuel
Commodity Prices Slump, Less Appetite for Oil Amid Downturn
December 10, 2008
Summary Note on the IMF/OECD/World Bank Workshop
September 23, 2008
Exogenous Shocks Facility Will Provide Rapid Financing for Affected Countries
September 19, 2008
Research: IMF Analysis of Food and Fuel Price Surge
July 1, 2008
Summary of Fiscal Impact (Slides)
Read our Dataset (Excel)
July 1, 2008
Impact on Africa
July 1, 2008
Lipsky: Policies to Restore Orderly Oil Market Conditions
June 23, 2008
'Shocked' countries remain at risk
Late last year, we updated our July 2008 study, focusing on two priorities: getting inflation under control, and putting in place social safety net programs which target the poorest.
- Food and Fuel Prices: An Update (PDF)
- July 2008 Report (PDF)
Stepped Up Lending
The IMF has boosted financial support to the following countries to help offset the surge in food and fuel prices: