• 
• 

At present, the treaty stipulates that member countries can seek help from others if domestic shortages runs up to 20 per cent of total consumption. According to Twarath Sutabutr, director of the Energy Ministry's stragety office, senior officials at the Monday meeting agreed that the 20 per cent shortage level is too high and they suggested the level revised down to 10 per cent. Senior officials also suggested Asean nations join hands in stocking up oil.

 "A working committee is set up and revise the treaty within Tuesday and it will be presented to the Asean Energy Ministers at the next day's meeting for ratification and signing," Twarath said.

 Senior officials also suggested the feasibility study on the 1,000-km linkage of natural gas pipeline from Indonesia's Natuna gas field with Malaysia's and Thailand's. The pipeline from the large gas field which could serve Asean's growing demand for natural gas could be routed to pass Brunei, Sarawak and the Philippines.

 According Twarath, Thailand will also chair a working committee on drafting the 6-year Asean energy plan. To take a year in drafting, the plan would take effect during January 2010 to December 2015. Aside from alternative fuel, the plan will take into account global warming issue. It aims to reduce gas emission among Asean nations. A sub-committee may also be established for discussion on nuclear power development.

 The Asean Energy Ministers Meeting, kicked off on Monday, will be represented by the ministers from 10 Asean nations. On the sidelines are a meeting between the Asean Energy Ministers with ministers from China, Japan and South Korea as well as the Asean + 6 meeting (Australia, China, India, South Korea, Japan and New Zealand).

 Six committees are in place to oversee six types of energy issues: oil and gas, electricity, coal, alternative energy, power conservation and efficient consumption, and the Asean energy plan. Each submitted their reports to senior officials, who will forward the issues to the ministers who will convene during August 7-8.