Here’s how surging oil prices shift the economic outlook in Asia, Malaysia a gainer

Malaysia, a net exporter of crude oil, could stand to gain through a widening trade balance. Bank Negara maintained its policy rate at a record low last week, with analysts expecting normalisation could start in the second half of the year.

SINGAPORE: Oil’s relentless surge above $125 (RM522.95) a barrel threatens to stoke inflation across Asia, forcing central banks to decide whether to respond to higher prices with tighter policy, or hold off amid the blow to economic growth.

As a net importer of energy, Asia is vulnerable to the oil price spike triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.