Overview
- The Bank of Korea left its benchmark rate at 2.50%, matching a Reuters poll that showed all 31 economists expected no change.
- The central bank said it is staying cautious because the Iran conflict could push prices higher and slow growth in an energy‑reliant economy.
- Dubai crude prices more than doubled in March, which is raising domestic fuel costs and feeding broader inflation.
- President Lee Jae Myung is pushing a 26.2 trillion won extra budget to help households and businesses cope with higher energy bills.
- Governor Rhee Chang-yong will hold his final policy press briefing before his term ends on April 20, with Shin Hyun-song nominated to take over.