IMF warns: high energy prices may outlast Gulf conflict

The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that high energy prices could stay high even after the Gulf conflict ends. The IMF is a global organization that lends money to countries in financial trouble and monitors the world economy. Its chief said the conflict is pushing up energy costs, and those costs may not fall quickly once the fighting stops. The warning suggests that businesses and households could face continued pressure from expensive fuel and power. The IMF did not say how long prices might remain high.