Thai oil consumption plunges as price rises

BANGKOK: -- Oil-guzzling Thais started to economise as prices rose up to 10 baht per litre within a year, resulting in lower gasoline consumption rates and reduced imports in the month of June, while at the same time the use of gasohol more than doubled.

Energy Business Department director-general Panich Pongpirodom said the usage rate for both benzene and diesel in June this year fell by 8.7 per cent and 13.5 per cent respectively compared to June last year.

He attributed the decline in oil consumption as a direct consequence of the nearly eight baht per litre price hike for gasoline, which made the public conscious of the need to use less. Another factor could be that people travel less during the rainy season.

In any case, Thais continue to use more gasohol in line with the government's policy to promote the fuel as an alternative energy source to lessen Thailand's dependence on imports. This is reflected in the fact that gasohol usage rate stood at 3.4 million litres per day in June this year compared to 1.5 million litres per day in June last year, more than doubling consumption of the alternative fuel.

In June this year, the country imported up to 133 litres of oil per day, or 7.5 per cent down for June last year and 8.6 per cent less than the import figure in May due to a combination of the government's import control policy and reduced demand.

--TNA 2006-07-23

He attributed the decline in oil consumption as a direct consequence of the nearly eight baht per litre price hike for gasoline, which made the public conscious of the need to use less. Another factor could be that people travel less during the rainy season.

The evidence of my own eyes would seem to suggest otherwise. Despite the increase in the price of petrol over the last couple of years, I haven't noticed a discernable decrease in the amount of traffic on the roads. Anybody beg to differ?

The news item did not mention LPG or NGV which have become very important players in Bangkok (especially LPG) and some other cities. I also do not see anyone leaving the car at home here in the big city (unfortunately).

He attributed the decline in oil consumption as a direct consequence of the nearly eight baht per litre price hike for gasoline, which made the public conscious of the need to use less. Another factor could be that people travel less during the rainy season.

The evidence of my own eyes would seem to suggest otherwise. Despite the increase in the price of petrol over the last couple of years, I haven't noticed a discernable decrease in the amount of traffic on the roads. Anybody beg to differ?

Still some people let the car run 1 hour !!!! while the come in our office so it is cool when they go back into it. On the other side I saw some rich thai-chinese who changed their expensive Mercedes to gas (dual use).

It has generated an increase in gas tanks being siphoned and small roadside pumps being broken into however.

It has generated an increase in gas tanks being siphoned and small roadside pumps being broken into however.

Even though I DON'T condon such behavior there is one word-KARMA

Still plenty of folks on the road.

I don't see less traffic, but I do know quite a few people (myself included) who are driving less. I have a friend from upcountry, who left his vehicle in Buri Ram with his wife and now commutes on the weekends by bus. I know several people who are car pooling. All I can figure is that the traffic is SO bad, it will take really a lot before it gets less.

Also, it's hard to say how many people are using motorcycles more.

In June this year, the country imported up to 133 litres of oil per day,

133 liters per day for the whole country.

I make the trip from Loei to Jomtien about every ten to twelve weeks. The last trip, it was VERY noticeable that there was less traffic and that traffic was driving MUCH slower. In previous trips I would be passed by vehicles obviously going as fast as they would go. Old pickup trucks spewing black smoke and old cars spewing blue smoke from worn out engines. I would estimate the average speed now at between 85 and 90 kilometers per hour. It actually made for a more pleasant trip. I normally drive just to keep up with the rest of the traffic, no faster and no slower.

YES! I can see a big difference especially in the speed.

NOTE - I suppose that I should add that when I get near Pattaya/Jomtien the traffic is as bad or worse than I've ever seen it.

He attributed the decline in oil consumption as a direct consequence of the nearly eight baht per litre price hike for gasoline, which made the public conscious of the need to use less. Another factor could be that people travel less during the rainy season.

The evidence of my own eyes would seem to suggest otherwise. Despite the increase in the price of petrol over the last couple of years, I haven't noticed a discernable decrease in the amount of traffic on the roads. Anybody beg to differ?

Edited July 24, 200619 yr by Gary A

:Its the same,TIT: