Fresh attacks on critical energy infrastructure in the Middle East have reignited market fears over rising energy costs, which may lead to a downturn in Japanese equities. Nikkei index futures on the Singapore Exchange fell 2.4% to 53,575 points. Investors are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, the Japanese government's response to the conflict, and potential supply shortages in energy and petrochemical products. On Wednesday, the Nikkei Index rose 2.9% to close at 55,239.40 points.