Japan
Japan petrol prices hit record level
Japan’s average retail petrol price has reached a record JPY190.80 ($1.19) per litre, reflecting higher crude costs linked to the Iran conflict, according to data released on March 18 by the nation’s industry ministry.
Crisp crisis! Japan’s favourite snacks hit by 2026 oil shock
Japan’s snack lovers are facing a crunch - and not the good kind. Crisp maker Yamayoshi Seika has announced it is being forced to halt production of some of its best-selling potato chips as it cannot find enough of the fuel needed to cook them.
Philippines down to its last three weeks of fuel reserves, turns to Russia for help
The Philippines is currently navigating a perilous and largely overlooked period of economic vulnerability: its national fuel supply could run out in around three to four weeks if international imports don't arrive soon.
INTERVIEW: Taiwan’s TSEC CORPORATION – mover and shaker in the nation’s solar sector
A leading name in the Taiwanese solar sector, TSEC has seen its valuation on the Taiwanese exchange skyrocket in recent months.
Why a Chinese invasion of Taiwan looks tempting, but would be ill-advised
If Beijing’s supporters are right that now is the time, they are also wrong to imagine success without substantial Taiwanese and wider regional blowback.
China mobilises 2,000 vessels as Taiwan ramps up defences
The coast guard is also stepping up joint drills with the military, signalling a shift towards integrated defence operations. In the event of conflict, the agency would support naval missions and could equip certain vessels with missile systems.
Japan ruling party urges caution over possible Middle East deployment
Takayuki Kobayashi, policy chief of the Liberal Democratic Party, said that escort missions should not be ruled out from a legal standpoint but warned that such a deployment would represent an extremely high hurdle.
Japan weighs options to protect vessels in Strait of Hormuz
Speaking during a session of the House of Councillors Budget Committee, Takaichi addressed calls from Donald Trump for other countries, including Japan, to dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard oil shipments.