Transportation Government to keep subsidized gasoline and diesel prices unchanged through 2026 The Indonesian government on April 6 announces fuel surcharges in response to domestic airlines’ outcry, but keeps airfare caps unchanged. (Photo by Yuki Kohara) JAKARTA — The Indonesian government on Monday announced jet fuel surcharge increases, responding to domestic airlines’ outcry over rising operating […]

Japan immigration Firms required to prove previous terms of work before arrival in Japan Foreigners working in Tokyo and other parts of Japan face more stringent screening of their qualifications, employment history and tax filings. (Photo by Tomoki Mera) TOKYO — The Japanese government is tightening the screening process for the residency status of foreign corporate […]

Automobiles Output shifted to US and Europe after Strait of Hormuz’s effective closure Mazda is now directing more CX-5 SUVs to the U.S. and Europe, after halting exports to the Middle East. (Photo by Yumi Okura) TOKYO — Mazda Motor said on April 6 it will suspend production of vehicles destined for the Middle East until May, […]

Transportation Executive says Malaysia has sufficient fuel by June but fare hikes unavoidable An AirAsia plane is seen at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on April 6. (Photo by Norman Goh) KUALA LUMPUR — AirAsia has cut its flight capacity by about 10% and raised fuel surcharges by 20% as the Malaysian budget carrier streamlines its operations […]

Taiwan tensions Political landmines lurk as KMT-CCP dynamics shift and US watches Cheng Li-wun, leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party, also known by its Mandarin transliteration Kuomintang, speaks at an event hosted by the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club on March 23. (Cheng’s office) HUALIEN, Taiwan — Cheng Li-wun, Taiwan’s top opposition figure, is set to […]

Travel & Leisure Best Western brand owner looks to add more than 70 properties in region this year WorldHotels’ Asian properties include the Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit. © Best Western Hotel BANGKOK — BWH Hotels, owner of Best Western and 17 other hotel brands, plans to increase its offerings in Asia by more than a […]

Iran was Fabric and yarn prices on the rise, squeezing margins in an already struggling sector Senior figures in the garment industry — a lynchpin of the Bangladeshi economy — say an Iran war-linked price surge has “already kicked in.” © Reuters DHAKA — Bangladesh’s garment makers are reeling as the Iran war makes key […]

Economy Q1 7.8% GDP growth below target, March inflation at 5-year high on oil price hike A production line at a Skoda Auto factory in Ha Long in Vietnam’s northeast. The global energy crisis is threatening the prospects of the country’s booming manufacturing sector. © AP MAI NGUYEN and YUJI NITTA HANOI — Vietnam’s economy grew 7.8% […]

Iran was She also plans to arrange a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says she is trying to arrange dialogue with Iran’s leader. (Photo by Ken Suzuki) TOKYO — Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated on Monday that she is pursuing dialogue with Iran’s leader, saying in the budget committee of the lower house […]

Economy China, Japan, Korea more exposed to energy risks than Southeast Asia, according to AMRO Dong He, chief economist at AMRO, says the balance of risks to this year’s regional outlook is “tilted to the downside.” (AMRO) SINGAPORE — Economic growth in ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea as a bloc could fall to its weakest level since […]