0241 GMT - Consumer prices in Southeast Asia will likely be pushed higher by surging energy costs, as the region is highly dependent on Middle Eastern oil and gas, Maybank analysts write in a research report. "The Middle East conflict threatens to unleash a stagflationary shock on the global economy and Asia," they say. The Philippines and Indonesia are highly sensitive to persistent oil price shocks, with energy accounting for a significant share of their CPI baskets. Supply disruptions and rising energy costs will also fan inflation, worsen current account balances and intensify fiscal pressures for most Southeast Asian countries. (amanda.lee@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 22, 2026 22:41 ET (02:41 GMT)
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