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With more companies signing up, the Energy Ministry has revised the savings goal from 11 per cent to 20 per cent by 2010.

Panich Pongpirodom, director-general of the Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency Department, said yesterday that many manufacturers had restructured by installing more energy-saving materials and equipment.

In return, they receive financial support from the Energy Conservation Fund.

Acting Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul said petrol consumption was declining. Daily consumption of 95 octane has fallen to 500,000-600,000 litres, while that for 91 octane is down to 9 million litres.

However, daily consumption of alternative fuel such as gasohol has increased to 10 million litres and B5 biodiesel to 14 million litres.

"To survive, the company has to manage for an energy-cost reduction of Bt60 million per year," Thaioil executive Narongrit Thavornvisithporn said yesterday.