Asian stock markets have plunged in early trading on Wednesday, CNN reports.

The war in the Middle East has spooked investors and raised concerns about potential disruptions to energy deliveries, which could hit Asian economies that rely heavily on imports.

South Korea: KOSPI index fell 12.3% after closing down 7.2% on Tuesday.

Japan: Nikkei 225 index fell 4.7%.

Hong Kong: Hang Seng index fell 3.1%.

Taiwan: TAIEX index fell 3.9%.

Asian economies are vulnerable to disruptions in energy supplies from the Middle East, as many of them receive most of their crude oil and a significant portion of their natural gas from the Gulf countries.

About 46% of crude oil flows to Asia through the vital Strait of Hormuz, which is currently closed.