PipeChina launches key crude oil pipeline in East China to boost energy security

The Lianyungang-Huai'an section of a major crude oil pipeline officially began operations on Thursday, marking the first 10-million-ton-class crude pipeline commissioned during China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, according to the China Oil & Gas Pipeline Network Corp, also known as PipeChina.

Construction on the 143.8-kilometer pipeline — part of the broader Lianyungang-Yizheng crude oil pipeline project — began in October 2024. The entire line achieved full connection in June 2026 and boasts a designed annual transmission capacity of 18.5 million metric tons.

Following its successful launch, the newly operational section will connect with the existing Rizhao-Yizheng pipeline to transport crude oil to Yizheng station, a core oil distribution hub in East China. The pipeline is capable of transmitting up to 70,000 tons of crude daily.

The infrastructure project is set to serve refining and chemical enterprises in Jiangsu province and regions along the Yangtze River. PipeChina noted that the pipeline will significantly enhance multi-channel resource security for users in the area.

Furthermore, the project holds great significance for optimizing the energy supply structure in central and eastern China. It will play a crucial role in refining the oil and gas pipeline layout in the Yangtze River Delta region and facilitating the unified, highly efficient allocation of imported crude oil resources under the country's increasingly interconnected "national network", it said.