Asia / Pacific

The GCC's growth forecast for 2026 has been reduced to 1.3% due to lower hydrocarbon revenue Kuwait and Qatar's economies are expected to contract in this year The World Bank warns about lingering risks in the region DUBAI, 8 April - In a report released on Wednesday, the World Bank slashed the growth forecast for the Middle East's economies in 2026 as a "consequence" of the conflict between the U.S. and Israel, along with Iran. The report also warned of widespread risks. Donald Trump announced late Tuesday a ceasefire of two weeks in the conflict. The conflict is now in...

Investors are putting together a "Trump trade' playbook to?navigate market uncertainty. This includes determining whether a U.S. - Iran ceasefire will last and whether oil prices will remain high for longer. As geopolitics continue to dominate the economy, it is difficult to move money based on long-term perspectives. During the Iran War, many?investors have placed shorter-term bets instead on assets which may have been?mispriced?. Here is a list of some new Trump trades. 1/OIL PRICE WILL STAY HIGHER FOR A LONGER TIME Oil prices fell almost 15% to $100 per barrel in the wake of the ceasefire on Wednesday, but...

U.S. president Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States and Iran are working closely together and discussing relief from tariffs and sanctions. This follows the announcement of the two-week ceasefire. Trump backed away from a full-on attack on Iran, which he had threatened to launch 'on Tuesday night. Two hours before the deadline that he set for Tehran in order to open up the Strait of Hormuz. He stated on social media that he had agreed to many of the 15 points in his plan for Iran, but did no elaborate. In a post on social media, Trump...

The physical oil market is still in a state of turmoil despite a planned two-week stopfire between Iran and the United States. Brent crude oil contracts plunged as much as 16% in the early Asian trade on Wednesday, after finishing at $109.27 on Monday. The sharp drop in prices reflects relief that President Donald Trump's alarming threats against Iran civilisation to be wiped out have been postponed. This also reflects the optimism that crude, refined products and liquefied gas (LNG), may be able to resume and continue through the Strait of Hormuz if negotiations are successful. There is a rule...

Three trade sources reported that independent Chinese refiners, with new import quotas issued by Beijing, began'seeking immediate cargoes of Iranian oil after the oil price slumped on Wednesday. Brent crude futures fell below $100 per barrel on Wednesday, the lowest since March 11 after a?U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he agreed to a ceasefire of two weeks with Iran, subject to an immediate and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Since the U.S. - Iran conflict erupted in late February, the Chinese refiners - known as teapots - have largely stayed out of the fray. This has caused...

The World Bank stated that Nigeria's economy will grow despite the Iran war in the first half of 2026. Fiseha Haile, World Bank Nigeria's lead economist during a presentation held in Abuja said that business activity is still in expansion mode. The conflict between the U.S./Israel/Iran has so far raised prices while leaving the output mostly intact. The impact on growth is relatively limited, as the overall business activity has increased in the last few months. Haile stated that the shock was still felt by higher inflation. Bola Tinubu is now in his third year as president. He has implemented...

The World Bank stated on Tuesday that Nigeria's economy will grow in the first half of 2026, despite the Iran War. However, rising fuel prices and persistently high inflation could squeeze incomes, slowing poverty reduction. Fiseha Haile, World Bank Nigeria's lead economist during a presentation held in Abuja said that business activity remains in growth territory. The conflict between the U.S./Israel and Iran has so far lifted prices while leaving output mostly intact. The impact of the growth shock has been contained, as the overall business activity has increased over the last few months. "But the shock is still felt...

JD Vance, the U.S. vice president, slammed the European Union on Tuesday for its "disgraceful interference" in an election held in?Hungary. He also praised Prime Minister Viktor Orban in his role as an ally to Donald?Trump when it comes to the defence of Western civilization. Here are some key quotes from the joint press conference in Budapest. VANCE ON HUNGARIAN ELSECTION "What happened in this country and what happened during this election campaign is one of worst examples of foreign interference in elections that I have ever read or seen ..." "The bureaucrats at Brussels have tried to destroy Hungary's...

Two industry sources said that NORSI, Russia’s fourth largest oil refinery, suspended operations on April 5, following an attack by a Ukrainian drone. The temporary 'closure' of the refinery will increase the uncertainty in Russia's energy industry, which has already been hit by a series of Ukrainian attacks including those that have targeted its major oil-exporting terminals on the Black Sea or the Baltic Sea. Russian authorities announced on Sunday that a drone had attacked the NORSI oil refinery, causing it to catch fire. Gleb Nikitin said that two facilities at the plant had been hit, and a power station,...

Analysts at A95 Consulting Group reported late Monday that Ukraine's imports of diesel jumped 27% in March over February to a five-year-high of 577,000 tons, despite the difficulties associated with the war? in the Persian Gulf. After Russian missile attacks virtually destroyed Ukraine's refining capability, the country became?entirely reliant on imported fuel. It sourced supplies elsewhere in Europe. The consultancy stated in a report that "Importers operations in March were hindered by the effects of the war in the Middle East which made it extremely difficult to secure supplies." The report also stated that ORLEN, Poland's largest supplier, had suspended...

Iran and Israel exchanged attacks on Tuesday, as Tehran defiantly refused to reopen Strait of Hormuz or accept a ceasefire agreement on the eve of the deadline set by U.S. president Donald Trump for Tehran to comply with his demands. According to a source familiar with the plan, Iran rejected the U.S. proposal that was mediated by Pakistan. The plan called for an "immediate" ceasefire, the lifting of the effective blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and then talks about a wider peace settlement to be held within 15 to 20 working days. IRNA, the official news agency, reported that...

The oil prices continued to rise on Tuesday as U.S. president Donald Trump increased his rhetoric against Iran and threatened stronger action if it failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz - a major global oil transit chokepoint. Brent crude futures rose 57?cents or 0.5% to $110.34 a barge by 1202 GMT. U.S. West Texas intermediate crude futures gained $1.26 or 1.1% at $113.67. Trump has threatened to "rain hell" on Tehran for failing to meet his deadline to reopening the Strait of Hormuz by 8 pm EDT, Tuesday. Trump said that if no deal was reached, "they could be...

The United States, Iran and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire for two weeks, which was mediated by Pakistan. This could potentially end a six-week war that has claimed thousands of lives, spread throughout the Middle East, and disrupted the world's supply of energy. Trump announced the deal late Tuesday night, only?two hours after a deadline that he set for Iran:?opening the Strait of Hormuz blockade or face destruction of their "whole civilization". Shehbaz sharif, the Pakistani prime minister, said he invited Iranian and U.S. delegates to meet at Islamabad this Friday. Trump said that the deal was contingent on Iran...

His office announced that British Prime Minister Keir starmer would 'travel to the Gulf tomorrow to 'hold talks with regional leaders to...?ensure that the Strait of Hormuz is permanently opened after a U.S. Iran ceasefire. Starmer, in a press release, said: "I welcome the overnight ceasefire agreement which will bring relief to the area?and world." "Together, with our partners, we must do everything possible to support and sustain the 'ceasefire. We need to turn it into an agreement that will last and reopen the Strait of Hormuz." Starmer, who has been heavily criticized by U.S. president Donald Trump for not'supporting...

Anthony Albanese, the Australian Prime Minister, welcomed the ceasefire between the United States, Israel, and Iran on Wednesday, but criticised the rhetoric of Donald Trump. Trump agreed to the two-week ceasefire just two hours before he set a deadline for Tehran to open up the Strait o'Hormuz, or face devastating attacks against its civilian infrastructure. His announcement via?social media was a sudden change from earlier that day when he had issued a warning saying "a whole civilisation will die tonight" in the event his demands were not met. Albanese told Sky News that the ceasefire is welcome but Trump's rhetoric...

The 'index of the health of Japan’s economy' fell in February, according to a report released by the government on Tuesday. This reveals a weak spot - even before the Iran War. Recent private surveys also revealed an increase in bankruptcy in the house-painting sector. Small, mom-and pop operators, already struggling with severe competition and chronic labor shortages, have been affected by rising fuel costs and supply restrictions caused by the conflict. Data showed that the coincident index, which measures the state of the economy at the moment, fell 1.6 points in February, month-on-month, to 116.3. This was the first...

Satsuki Katayama, the Japanese Finance Minister, said that the country would remain in close contact with other countries of the Group of Seven. The Middle East conflict has caused concern about Japan's fiscal expansion. The yield curve for Japan's government bonds has risen this week. The 10-year JGB yield reached a 27-year-high of 2.43%. Meanwhile, the yen hovered near the psychologically significant 160-per dollar mark, which analysts warn may trigger a government intervention. Katayama, a G7 Finance Minister and Central?Banker, said that the sharp changes in oil prices and developments in the Middle East are having an impact on markets....

The Philippines' annual inflation rate increased more than expected in March. It breached the central bank's target range of 2% to 4.0%. This was primarily due to the sharp rise in 'fuel prices' amid the escalating Middle East tensions. In March, headline inflation was 4.1% higher than a year ago. This is significantly higher than the 2.4% in February and also above the median polled forecast of 3.7%. This is the highest reading of inflation since July 2024 when it was 4.4%. Inflation grew at the fastest rate since January 2023 - 1.4% on a monthly basis. This reflects a...

A spokesperson from India's Foreign Ministry said that the Maldives was seeking fuel supplies. India?is still shipping fuel to its neighboring countries?, she added. Randhir Jaiswal, at a press conference, stated that India is the world's?fourth largest refiner? and supplies fuel to Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. The government of Maldives also contacted us to supply petroleum products on a short-term as well as long-term basis. Jaiswal stated that the request from Maldives is being evaluated in light of our own needs and availability. According to World Bank statistics, the Maldives sources most of its fuel from Oman. The...

A government official said that Indian police seized 414 canisters of cooking gas hidden in a cemetery in Hyderabad and arrested people who were trying to sell the canisters on the black market. This was in response to shortages caused by 'the Iran War. The authorities have increased raids in order to reduce the hoarding and stockpiling of liquefied gas canisters, after the U.S./Israeli war on Iran caused shipping disruptions that led to shortages. India is the second largest LPG importer in the world. About 60% of India's LPG demand is met by overseas purchases. Sujata sharma, a senior official...

Asian governments spend billions in subsidies to protect consumers from rising oil prices due to the U.S. - Israeli war against Iran. Here are some steps that governments in Asia have taken to reduce the amount of oil coming from the Middle East. The Japanese government is 'using 800 billion yen (5.02 billion dollars) from reserve funds to finance subsides aimed at maintaining gasoline prices at around 170 yen per litre. This would cost up to 300 billion yen a month. SOUTH KOREAN In late March, the South Korean?budget?ministry proposed a supplementary budget of $26.2 trillion won to help low-income...

The Australian government will offer up to A$1 billion ($693 millions) in interest-free loan to "critical" businesses such as transport operators and fertiliser manufacturers, according to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Australia imports over 80% of the fuel it uses, and this has led to concerns about availability. The fear of shortages has sparked panic buying in certain regions, despite assurances from the government that "the market is adequately supplied." "No government can promise to eliminate all the pressures?that this crisis will impose. We can act as a buffer to the worst. In a speech at the National Press Club,?Albanese will...

The New York Auto Show saw major automakers unveil new 'electric vehicles' on Wednesday, despite weak consumer demand and sales that have plummeted since Washington removed the $7,500 tax credit for EVs. Kia announced that it will'start selling its lower-priced EV3 to the United States in later this year. Subaru also offered a three-row EV called the "Getaway", which can seat seven. The Japanese automaker will launch its family EV SUV in the U.S. later this year or early next year. It is their fourth EV. The U.S. electric vehicle market is becoming more competitive, but the recent rise in...

Four sources said that Delcy Roddez, interim president of Venezuela, is preparing to take control of the U.S. subsidiaries owned by state oil company PDVSA, including Citgo Petroleum. The move could exacerbate a tug-of-war for control of the seventh largest U.S. refiner. Two sources claim that Rodriguez is still working on her list of board members to be approved by the Treasury. Some names were not received well in Washington. The sources say that if the executives are approved by the Treasury, then the Office of Foreign Assets Control would issue a license. One of the sources said that Treasury...