Seoul, March 23 -- Shares of South Korean electronics major Samsung Electronics declined more than 5 per cent during early trading on Monday amid rising concerns over higher energy prices and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

According to a news report by Pulse, the English service of Maeil Business News Korea, Samsung Electronics shares fell sharply as investor sentiment weakened due to fears that rising oil prices could fuel inflation and keep interest rates elevated.

Shares of Samsung Electronics were trading 4.81 per cent lower at 189,800 won (USD 125.7) as of 9:12 a.m. on Monday, after dropping as much as 5.32 per cent earlier in the session.

Shares of SK hynix Inc. also came under pressure, trading at 949,000 won (approxima...