Rising oil prices and slowing economies are forcing Southeast Asian countries to pursue a host of energy saving measures: cut down on air-conditioning, turn off night billboards and encourage car pools.

But the austerity measures, while moving in the right direction, are expected to prove a drop in the bucket when compared with the vast amounts spent by some of the same governments on fuel subsidies to keep the people happy.

The Thai government, which has spent 92 billion baht ($2.2 billion) on fuel price subsidies since January 2004, was forced to remove government control on petrol prices in October. It retained partial curbs on the more politically sensitive diesel last month.

On July 12, the government approved energy-saving measures designed to save the country $162 million this year.

This included closing petrol stations between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., turning off billboards after 10 p.m. and ordering civil servants to use gasohol in their cars.

High oil prices led to a hike of 37 percent in Thailand's import bill during the first five months of 2005 to $48.8 billion, leaving the country with a trade deficit of $6.6 billion.

Thailand's economy, which grew at an impressive six percent in 2004, is looking at a much slower growth rate of four percent this year.

The energy situation is arguably more politically threatening for Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who earlier this month postponed state visits to China, Thailand and Brunei due to a domestic fuel shortage.

Yudhoyono has issued presidential instructions to conserve energy that included an order for officials to up their AC temperatures to 25 degrees Celsius, while the presidential palace reportedly upped its air-conditioning to 28 degrees.

Top government officials have ditched their traditional business suits and ties at work for short sleeve Batik or casual shirts, or the once-popular safari suits.

Indonesia's communications and information department has instructed TV stations to save energy by cutting down on broadcast time.

Fuel price subsidies are also still in place in Malaysia.

The Malaysian government has raised petrol and diesel prices three times since last October but prices still remain low compared to neighbouring nations.

Subsidies for petroleum cost Malaysia, a net oil exporter, 4.8 billion ringgit ($1.3 billion) last year. This could reach 8.9 billion ringgit this year if oil prices continue to rise.

The Philippines scrapped its subsidies on oil prices back in 1997, when the oil industry was deregulated.

During the summer months of April and May, the government implemented a four-day work week as part of efforts to cut back on power and fuel consumption, saving 144 million pesos ($2.57 million).

Government offices have been ordered to turn off air-conditioning systems during lunch hour, while use of government vehicles is being strictly monitored to avoid unofficial use.

People have been encouraged to use car pools, cut down on the use of electronic devices and use energy-efficient light bulbs, among other measures, to conserve energy.