BANGKOK, May 5 (UPI) -- The first-ever emergency response assessment of energy stocks for a non-member reflects a shift in consumption patterns, the IEA said of Thailand.
The International Energy Agency examined policies and procedures in the Thai energy sector, the first for a non-member state.
IEA Deputy Executive Director Richard Jones said the examination of Thailand reflects an emerging pattern in energy consumption.
"This recognizes the shifts in consumption patterns since the IEA's founding and a growing realization that responding effectively to crises today demands cooperation with rising consumers in South East Asia, China, India and the Middle East," he said in a statement.
The IEA said Thailand has oil stocks in place to last about 45 days. The assessment offered Thailand "best practice" suggestions to respond to possible supply disruptions by setting up the right channels for international coordination.
"Our experience has taught us that it is critical to have stocks and to be ready to act quickly," said Jones.
