Operations start at China-Myanmar gas pipeline

BEIJING, Oct. 21 (UPI) -- China National Petroleum Corp. said operations have begun at a 430-mile natural gas pipeline through China and Myanmar.

The pipeline is designed to carry 400 billion cubic feet of natural gas per year.

Myanmar has more than 260 miles of the line and is to receive 20 percent of the gas.

Wu Hong, general manager of CNPC's construction division, said Sunday the pipeline would provide a source of energy security to Myanmar and parts of southwest China.

China's official Xinhua News Agency reported natural gas from the pipeline will reduce regional coal consumption by approximately 30 million tons per year.

Myanmar is considered frontier territory for energy investors.