The countries in Asia...

Asian nations are grappling with record crude prices that have raised the cost of subsidies and caused losses for refineries. Indonesia and Sri Lanka have passed on higher oil costs, undermining efforts to boost economic growth.

The countries in Asia, which are dependent on imports, will have to live with the specter of accelerating inflation and slowing economic growth this year, the situation may reverse only if there is a sharp decline in global crude oil prices.

Malaysian Prime Minister and his Indian counterpart are risking a political backlash after losing ground in elections in the past year. Singh's parliamentary majority hinges on support from communist parties who pledged to rally the nation's 600 million poor in nationwide protests from tomorrow.