China's State Council, or Cabinet, has ordered local governments and other authorities to cut down on the use of cars and other energy-consuming equipment at the start of a national energy-saving campaign.

The State Council said in a circular issued on Saturday that the only way to handle the energy issue was to promote both conservation and development, with conservation as the priority.

Special priority should be given to the conservation of oil and electricity, said the circular.

It required less use of cars, air conditioners, elevators, street lights and lamps, plastic bags and disposable goods, and the development of equipment that used electricity and oil efficiently.

Governments of all levels should publicize the significance of energy conservation and promote energy-efficient technology and products.

Local development and reform commissions, energy-conservation departments and supervisory organs, should guide and supervise the implementation of the measures.

(Xinhua News Agency August 2, 2008)