[ECB Governing Council Member Nagel: Rate Hike Possible at Next Meeting if Inflation Worsens] Jin10 News, March 26 – ECB Governing Council member Nagel stated that if the Middle East conflict exacerbates inflation in the Eurozone, the European Central Bank 'could choose' to raise interest rates at its next meeting. Following the surge in energy prices caused by the Iran conflict, the ECB has already put rate hikes on the agenda. Market investors are speculating whether the first rate hike will occur in April or June. Nagel mentioned that he and his colleagues will have sufficient information, including the war and its economic impact, to decide at the April 29–30 meeting whether to raise rates. 'This is certainly an option, but just one of them,' he added. 'I believe by April, we will have enough data to determine whether action is necessary or if we can continue to wait and see. But we cannot avoid raising rates simply because we currently think the timing is premature.'