The current international oil market situation is characterised by relatively weak demand, over-capacity and downward pressure on prices. Lessons of the past and the forecasts by experts warn that it would be imprudent, and even dangerous, to become complacent about future energy supplies and markets. Therefore conservation policies have to be strengthened and expanded, with a commitment for more vigorous implementation. The potential for conservation is yet to be exploited widely and fully in the various sectors of the developing countries. Progress in energy conservation has been uneven, among nations and within the ESCAP region, and among the sectors of national economies and within a given sector (for example between large and small industries).