The government and the public should take more responsibility for saving electricity and fuel to ease energy strains, said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Wednesday.

Wen made the comment at a meeting of the State Council, or cabinet, saying that tight energy supplies have greatly hindered China's economic development.

Energy waste is a serious problem in government departments and institutions, centrally-administrated enterprises, large public projects and individual households, said Wen.

"Energy saving is the common responsibility of society," he added.

The government should improve energy efficiency through comprehensive measures to reduce the energy consumption of vehicles, heating and air conditioning facilities and lighting.

Relevant departments are asked to strengthen management of power and energy allocation and crack down on energy waste, said Wen.

The State Council also passed two draft regulations on energy saving measures for public institutions and residential buildings.

China's energy use per 10,000 yuan (US$1,429) of gross domestic product was 1.16 tons of coal equivalent in 2007, down 3.66 percent year-on-year.

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2008)