Alternatives to limit growth in Thailand’s crude oil imports

Thailand’s crude oil imports are expected to grow only marginally this year despite the economic recovery, as increased use of alternative energies will limit any rise in oil demand, according to the country’s Department of Energy Business, which is part of the energy ministry. “Based on the gross domestic product [growth] forecast of 3-3.5% this year, demand for energy will certainly go up,” said Peerapol Sakarin, the department’s director-general. (January 19, 2010)