monetary and fiscal policies. In oil-importing countries where declining oil prices may reduce medium-term inflation expectat ions below target, central banks could respond with addittional monetary policy loosening, which, in turn, can support growth. the combination of lower inflation and higher output implies a favorable short-run policy outcome. In oil-exporting countries, however, lower oil prices might trigger contractionary fiscal policy measures, unless buffers are available to protect expenditures from the decline in tax revenues from the oil sector.