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Energy & Utilities Market Updates: Sembcorp, Gujarat Gas, Malaysia Growth

Wall Street Journal Markets •
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Malaysia's first-quarter economic growth slowdown stems from factors other than Middle East tensions, according to Capital Economics analyst Gareth Leather. The country's resilience amid global energy price shocks positions it better than regional peers, as it remains a small net energy importer less vulnerable to terms-of-trade disruptions. Malaysia's ability to weather current market volatility could attract investor interest in Southeast Asian energy markets.

Gujarat Gas stands to benefit from the U.S.-Iran conflict and potential fuel price hikes after India's state elections conclude April 29, Nomura analyst Bineet Banka reports. Higher petrol and diesel prices could boost compressed natural gas vehicle adoption while providing the city gas distributor pricing flexibility. A new government framework for piped natural gas infrastructure could drive long-term volume growth, prompting Nomura to upgrade the stock to buy from reduce with a target price of INR390.00.

Sembcorp Industries' acquisition of Alinta Energy, expected to close by end-H1, will add 3.4 gigawatts of generating assets across Australia's coasts, boosting 2026-2028 earnings forecasts by 16%-25%, according to UOB Kay Hian analyst Adrian Loh. The debt-funded deal avoids equity dilution for existing shareholders while delivering immediate earnings uplift. UOB raises its target price to S$8.06 from S$7.10, maintaining a buy rating despite shares trading 0.85% lower at S$7.02.