IMF: Asia Growth 4.4% with Energy Shock

IMF warns Asia's heavy reliance on Middle East oil and gas heightens energy shock risk, could spur higher inflation.
Oil and gas consumption equals about 4% of Asia's GDP, nearly double Europe, while net imports represent roughly 2.5% of GDP.
IMF projects Asia's growth slowing from 5% in 2025 to 4.4% in 2026 and 4.2% in 2027 per World Economic Outlook.
Tailwinds like lower US tariffs, strong tech exports and loose financial conditions offset some shock, keeping forecasts unchanged from January.