On May 6, 2026, the Monetary Policy Committee of Georgia’s National Bank raised the refinancing rate by 0.25 percentage points to 8.25%. This decision is expected to increase loan costs for nearly 250,000 borrowers. The refinancing rate had remained unchanged at 8% since May 2024. The National Bank cited escalating tensions in the Middle East and disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz as causes of fresh global supply disruptions, which have driven up energy prices on international markets. These developments have increased both production and transport costs, adding to inflationary pressures in Georgia.