Iran war spikes youth protests, Japan pledges $10bn
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- Iran war drives up fuel, food and fertiliser prices across Asia, deepening Gen Z's economic strain.
- UNDP estimates 8.8 million people across Asia and the Pacific risk falling into poverty from the Middle East conflict, with more than half in Iran.
- Philippines declared an energy emergency and saw nationwide transport worker strikes after fuel price spikes.
- India's industrial hub of Noida saw street protests over low pay and rising living costs, partly due to cooking gas shortages.
- Pakistan held widespread rallies protesting sharp petrol price hikes.
- Japan pledged $10 billion to Southeast Asian nations to help cope with surging energy costs.
Why it matters: Young workers across Asia risk slipping into poverty as rising energy and food prices erode wages, while governments scramble for limited fiscal space; the unrest threatens social stability and could force costly significant emergency aid, such as Japan’s $10 billion pledge.
