Vietnam and Laos give full support to fuel supply pipeline
MOTORISTS in Laos could enjoy lower prices at the pump now that the Lao and Vietnamese governments have expressed their full support for the construction of a pipeline that would deliver fuel from Vietnam to Laos.
The survey, design and feasibility study of the proposed pipeline have been ongoing for several years.
The project would involve the building of two pipelines about 306 kilometres in length to carry diesel and petrol from a wharf at the Hon La coastal port in Vietnam’s Quang Binh province to Khammuan province in Laos.
A warehouse to store the fuel would be built in Nhommalath district, Khammuan province, which borders Quang Binh province.
Vietnam’s Minister of Transport Truong Quang Nghia last week met Lao Minister of Public Works and Transport Dr Bounchanh Sinthavong in Vientiane to update him on the progress in preparations for the pipeline with a view to keeping the project on track.
The government would require the investor in the project, Lao Petro Company, to be responsible for the sur?vey and construction of the pipeline.
“The government will not provide funding for the project, but fully sup?ports construction of the pipeline,” he said.
A company employee, Veth Malavong, told Vientiane Times on Monday that the cost of construction would be over US$500 million.
He said the preliminary survey has been completed and the preliminary design and feasibility study are currently being carried out.
The results of these project components are likely to be presented to the Lao government at the end of this year to request authorisation to proceed.
