May
3, 2004
First phase of Venezuela's US$470
million natural pipeline inaugurated
(AP Online)- The first phase of a US$470
million pipeline that will connect Venezuela's
domestic natural gas installations and eventually
be used to supply gas to neighboring countries
was inaugurated.
The pipeline will connect gas production and distribution
plants in eastern and western Venezuela before
branching off to supply gas to neighboring Colombia,
as well as parts of Central America and South
America.
By connecting gas installations, the Paraguana
oil refinery complex in western Venezuela will
no longer be dependent on natural gas produced
in oil-rich Zulia state, said Energy Minister
Rafael Ramírez.
President Hugo Chávez said his administration
would continue to focus on expanding natural gas
exploration and production while maintaining Venezuela's
role as a reliable exporter of crude oil to the
United States".
