ADB Warns on Growth, Japan Taps Oil Reserves, Inflation Data Heats Up

1. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) warns that prolonged Middle East conflict could cut Asia's growth by up to 1.3 percentage points over 2026-2027.
2. Japan will release a 20-day supply of its oil reserves starting in early May to stabilize the energy market.
3. Japan's producer inflation (CGPI) for March rose 2.6% YoY, exceeding expectations and indicating continued price pressures.