The latest Market Talks covering Energy markets. Published exclusively on Dow Jones Newswires throughout the day.
0455 GMT - Higher crude prices are expected to raise costs for Japanese firms, but Capital Economics retains its base case that the economic hit should remain limited. Despite an ample crude stockpile, Japan remains reliant on Middle East petroleum products, including over half of its consumed naphtha. If naphtha shortages intensify, a reduced output of plastic products would disrupt broader supply chains, says Marcel Thieliant, CE's head of Asia-Pacific. Japanese manufacturers may also face weaker Middle East sales as they struggle to deliver goods to the region, with the auto sector particularly exposed. However, the Japanese government's price cap on gasoline and petroleum products should shield the economy from the brunt of the surge in energy prices, he says. (jason.chau@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
March 20, 2026 00:55 ET (04:55 GMT)
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