BANGKOK, 24 September 2015 – The Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) has called on the public to conserve energy in the face of increasing fuel imports.
EPPO Director Thawarat Sutabutra disclosed that energy consumption rose 2.4% from January to August. Natural gas was the most consumed fuel, followed by petrol and alternative fuels. Electricity usage rose 3.4% to 116 million units, due to the prolonged dry season.
Further exacerbating the issue, domestic production has dropped 1.1%, while imports rose 8.6%. The EPPO Director blamed the drop in production on delays in the petroleum exploration concession auction. He said if the delays continue, then the country will be forced to import more fuel.
Despite a steady decline in global oil prices, the Mr. Thawarat cautioned that prices are likely to rebound within 18 months. The agency urged the public to conserve energy in order to ensure sufficient fuel supplies, but also plans to lower fuel prices in accordance with global markets.
