Will Asian power producers become casualties of rising oil prices?

Chubu Electric Predicts First Loss Since 1979 on Fuel Costs

Chubu Electric Power Co., Japan's third-largest utility, said it may post a full-year loss for the first time since 1979 as surging oil and natural gas prices boost generation costs.
The utility forecast a net loss of 4 billion yen ($37 million) for the year ending March 31, the Nagoya City-based utility said in a statement, reversing its April 28 forecast for net income of 70 billion yen. Sales may reach 2.59 trillion yen compared with its earlier projection of 2.55 trillion yen.
Chubu Electric joins rivals Tokyo Electric Power Co. and Kansai Electric Power Co. in slashing earnings estimates as Japanese utilities bear higher fuel costs. The company last posted a loss in 1979 when an oil crisis in the Middle East sent fuel prices higher.

How will Asian power producers weather the fuel price storm?