World Bank sees commodity prices falling to pre-COVID levels

May 19, 2025/in /by Rudolf Huber

We’re nearly five years out from COVID and still pretending that dragging energy prices back to pre-COVID levels means something. Spoiler: it doesn’t. We’ve had the worst inflation spike in decades—I’m eyeballing retirement and even I’ve never seen numbers like this. Do the math: five years of record inflation means that hitting pre-COVID prices today is actually a loss in real terms. But sure, let’s all clap because the numbers look familiar. The planet didn’t hit pause, folks. So either the World Bank can’t count, or they’re greasing the wheels for the next fairy tale. Pick your poison.

World Bank sees commodity prices falling to pre-COVID levels | BOE Report

The World Bank on Tuesday forecast that weakening global growth due in part to trade turmoil will push global commodity prices down 12% in 2025 and another 5% in 2026 to the lowest levels of…

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I first discovered a certain Rudolf Huber while he was wrapping up at Fuel Emulsions International and starting at NeXtLNG. After setting me straight on my quest for the latest innovations with Marine fuels, I knew that the “Pit Bull” deserved special notice. Aside from having a passion for the Energy Business, he also has a teacher’s ability to inspire further investigation. He ventures an opinion where others don’t dare and he does so with wit that few who follow the sector can match. Rudolf champions realistic energy choices and is not afraid of shining BRIGHT lights on the changes ahead.

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ESET

Tremendous visionary

I met Rudolf at the beginning of 2011, since we were both involved and working together within several European / Scandinavian projects for the development of technology, standardisation and legal aspect in the use of LNG as marine fuel and along its supply chain. Rudolf has vast expertise in, and perspective on, different aspects of LNG technologies, suppliers, infrastructures and supply chain options. He is able to provide a deep understanding and insight into these areas and is a conscientious and diligent source. Moreover, he is a tremendous visionary on the geopolitical, trading and technology aspects of energy, with a special remark for LNG traditional and small / mid magnitude chain. Rudolf has very proactive personal and working approach and is an excellent team worker and leader. Not least, he has a unique persuasive way of writing, negotiating and delivering speeches. I would certainly recommend him as an excellent expert and believe he would be a powerful asset for any company actively working in Oil and Gas. Thank you Rudolf! Marco

Marco Andreola - Owner Principal

Andreola & Associated Consulting

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I was introduced to and met Rudi in Angola when he started to develop his Sub Saharan Africa network. At the time he worked for EconGas/OMV and he tried organizing longterm LNG supply for them under the unlikeliest of all circumstances. He figured that Africa would be the only place where this would be a realistic prospect for long term uncommitted supplies of LNG. Rudi did not hesitate, started in Africa from absolute zero and spawned relationships and personal friendships with incredible speed. When I met him I didn’t know much about LNG. Today I follow the LNG news on my continent with great interest and a much clearer understanding of the LNG trade. Whenever I have a job that involves venturing into the unknown, Rudi will always be my man.

Albert Namme - M.D/CEO

eXGas, Nigeria

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I worked with Rudi on a key Europe-Middle East LNG supply chain transaction. He is incredibly driven and pushed the deal forward under very challenging internal and external circumstances. He is culturally astute and was able to navigate very successfully through the various subtleties within the global energy community. Also a great guy to work with!

Nomita Nair - Counsel

Allen & Overy

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Rudolf is a true Business Developer. He questions everything, even his own logic and is not afraid to speak his mind. Rudolf had initiated our LNG activities in Africa and the Americas. He was THE authority to go to when issues arose in LNG but more generally when any issue the company did not know how deal with was on the plate. Rudolf is not a typical manager as we know it. He does not need a lot of structure and procedures and is extremely proactive when it comes to problem solving and making new contacts.

David Bergal - Portfolio Manager LNG & Natural Gas

Kinetrex Energy

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Rudolf is truly one of the brightest, most knowledgeable people in the world of LNG. He gives you the truth, not a version of it. He is not swayed, he can not be bought by the majors. Trust his word because it is always backed by facts!

Jim Gerber - Director

Terra Commodities Consulting

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Catalyst Recruiting, Inc

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I love your acute commentary, Rudolf, informative, reliable, sensible and refreshing. Let’s hope more follow your example and we start to realize the full potential of professional social media.

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Environmental Film Group West

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