Gasoline demand and saving measures during crises for Thailand

Date
2018
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
Switching to other fuels and renewable energy in response to an oil shortage or rapidly raised oil prices is a good option for sustainability. The study focuses specifically on oil saving measures as another method to cope with a crisis in the transportation sector, and it applies to any types of fuels. The study incorporates an energy contingency plan with E4 perspectives of energy, economy, equity, and environment as well as a human ecosystem model to analyze 9 oil saving measures implemented in several countries. In addition to the information from other countries’ experiences, policy recommendations for Thailand are identified based on an econometric analysis of gasoline demand in Thailand and evidence from a Thai online discussion forum and related articles. It is found that gasoline price is inelastic and each region has its own characteristics which the government should take into account when making a national plan. All the measures require cooperation among government units, the private sector, labor unions, and others involved in successfully implementing the plan. In order to increase the effectiveness of the measures and sustain the less fuel intensive behaviors, infrastructures, agreements, regulations, social norms and other barriers must be addressed. During a crisis, the synergistic effects among the saving measures, side effects, public information strategies, tailored information, technology utilization, monitoring and assessing of the situation, and the ability to make a quick adjustment of the plan are vital.
Description
Keywords
Applied sciences, Oil, Renewable energy, Sustainability, Thailand
Citation