Oil Crisis: War Fuels 59% Crude Price Surge, Asian Markets Plunge

• West Asia conflict drives Brent crude up 2% to $114.98/barrel, marking a 59% increase in March.
• US crude (WTI) also rises 1.8% to $104.73/barrel, intensifying global inflation concerns.
• Asian stock markets suffer significant losses: Japan's Nikkei down 0.9% (12% for March), South Korea's Kospi plunges 17%.
• Investor fear over prolonged war and inflation leads to risk aversion and market volatility.
• US dollar strengthens 2.9% in March, its biggest gain in 8 months, as central banks may maintain high interest rates.