(March 24): Singapore will likely tighten monetary policy next month and consider further moves later in the year as the Middle East crisis drives up prices in the trade-reliant city state, according to economists. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said on Monday it would update its inflation outlook when it meets next month, warning that import cost pressures are likely to pick up in the near term. Analysts say that cue could be a prelude to the central bank hiking its policy stance. The MAS, which unlike other central banks uses the currency to manage monetary policy, is scheduled to release its next decision no later than April 14. Prices of petrol and diesel, taxi and air fares, as well as electricity are already being hiked, and the war in Iran appears to be deteriorating further, the economists said. At the same time, Singapore’s consumption is set to stay strong as real wages improve. That could push inflation beyond the MAS’ current forecast it could average 1%-2% in 2026, they said. https://www.theedgesingapore.com/news/singapore-economy/singapore-tighten-policy-over-inflation-risks-economists-say (ICE SINGAPORE)

Fonte notizia: The Edge Singapore, 24 March 2026