Sawt Falasteen - IMF chief warns of 'tough times' if oil prices stay high

"We must brace for tough times ahead" if the conflict persists, she told reporters at a press briefing during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank's spring meetings in Washington.

The gathering brings government and financial leaders to the US capital this week, with policymakers looking to limit economic fallout from the war.

US-Israeli strikes launched against Iran on February 28 sparked Tehran's retaliation, virtually closing the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and fertilizers.

Energy prices have since surged, squeezing countries -- especially vulnerable economies and those dependent on oil exports from the region.

"We are concerned about risks for inflation, moving into food prices should the delivery of fertilizers at a reasonable price (not be) restarted soon," Georgieva said.

But as countries move to limit price shocks on their citizens, Georgieva urged central banks to "wait and see" before adjusting interest rates if they can do so.

She said this was particularly the case where the public has a "well-anchored" expectation of inflation being kept under control.

"If we are to move faster out of the war, it may not be necessary to take action," she said.

But she conceded that countries where central banks lack such credibility might need to send stronger signals.

For now, "we are still at a time when a faster resolution of hostilities is possible," she said.

She urged IMF member countries to come forward to the Washington-based lender if they need financial assistance during the conflict.

"Currently, we have 39 programs, and prospective demand for new programs from at least a dozen countries, a number of them in sub-Saharan Africa," she said of the fund's financial aid.

"If you need help financially, don't hesitate. Move fast, because the sooner we act, the more we would protect the economy and the people," Georgieva said.

She also stressed the need to protect fiscal sustainability as countries move to help their populations, cautioning that "untargeted measures, export controls or broad-based tax cuts" could serve to "prolong the pain of high prices."

B.Khalifa--SF-PST