Fingers Crossed For Myanmar-China Pipeline Startup

Gas deliveries from Myanmar to China had been expected to flow for the first time in June or July, and a 790-km pipeline linking the two countries is indeed close to being finished. The 1.2 Bcf/d line was due to come onstream after May 30, the deadline set by pipeline operator China National Oil Corp. But a delay in the commercial operation of Blocks A-1 and A-3, the two offshore licenses in Myanmar that will feed the pipeline, could push startup back, according to an executive from one of the upstream partners. The pipeline transits Myanmar’s restive Shan state and continuing pockets of conflict in this area may also be a factor in the commissioning delay. Download here