Asian markets today, March 19 -- Asian equities declined in early trade as rising oil prices, triggered by attacks on key energy infrastructure in the Middle East, heightened investor concerns that an escalating conflict could fuel inflationary pressures.

The MSCI Asia Pacific Index fell 1.7%, snapping a three-day winning streak as investors reduced risk exposure.

Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped 2.58%, leading regional losses, while the broader Topix declined 2.03%.

South Korea's Kospi index slipped 2.54% after being the top performer in the previous session, while the small-cap Kosdaq fell a relatively modest 1.69%.

Meanwhile, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 was down 1.56%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index declined 1.62%, while mainland China's CSI 30...