China plans to open 3rd natural gas pipeline by 2013

New China's West-to-East pipeline is planned to be opened in the end of 2013. It will carry more than 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually and will decrease China's energy pressure. The National Development and Reform Commission reported the yearly increase in natural gas imports is 86.5%. About a half of necessary amount of natural gas China imports from Central Asia that will be a major supplier of gas for the new pipeline. New pipeline is of strategic importance as it will allow balancing economic development in the west and east of China.