A “staggering increase” in the consumption of biofuels in Thailand has been observed since last year. According to Thailand's Department of Energy Director-General, Metta Bunturngsuk, the consumption of B5 (or 5% biodiesel blend) soared by about 1,000%, from 3.43 M liters in October 2006, to 65.13 M liters in November 2007. The consumption of ethanol, on the other hand increased by about 64%, from 110 M liters in October 2006, to 179 M liters in October of this year. The sharp rise in biofuel consumption was accompanied by a drop in premium/regular gasoline consumption (by 11.4%) and a decrease in crude oil imports by 12.8%. Thai ethanol producers are relieved that the problem of ethanol overproduction which they experienced in early 2007 has been finally solved. Starting April 2008, the country is set to implement a nationwide use of B2 biodiesel blends to replace regular diesel..