Hong Kong-listed property stocks rose amid choppy trading; Ronshine China (03301.HK) gained more than 10%, with Longfor Group (00960.HK), China Vanke (02202.HK), Xincheng Development Holdings (01030.HK), China Jinmao (00817.HK) and CHINA RES LAND (01109.HK) also higher.

IEA said oil releases announced for March will exceed 400 million barrels.

India notified on Thursday a two-week adjustment to fuel export taxes to reflect international energy prices and domestic supply. Gasoline export tax rises to 2.5 rupee/litre from 0.5 rupee/litre; diesel export tax falls to 8.5 rupee/litre from 16 rupee/litre. Aviation fuel export tax remains at 10.5 rupee/litre. The export taxes, introduced on March 27 to curb exports amid the Middle East crisis and protect domestic supply, are reviewed every two weeks based on international crude and product prices. Domestic consumption taxes on gasoline and diesel are unchanged.