The Southern Xinjiang Gas Pipeline Project, known as the Yingmai-Sancha Natural Gas Pipeline (referred to as the "Ying-San Line"), has successfully commenced full operation. Spanning 378 kilometers, the pipeline began delivering clean natural gas from PetroChina's Tarim Oilfield to households at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains after the inlet valve at the Sancha distribution station was opened.

As the longest and most extensive pipeline in the first phase of the Southern Xinjiang Gas Pipeline Project, the Ying-San Line started construction on March 10 this year. The pipeline runs from the Yingmai Gas Field transmission station in Aksu Prefecture in the east to the Sancha distribution station in Kashgar Prefecture in the west. Along the route, 11 new valve chambers and distribution stations were built, while three existing natural gas stations were expanded, effectively linking major gas fields such as Kela and Keshen with surrounding counties and cities.

With a maximum daily supply capacity of 7.2 million cubic meters, the Ying-San Line forms a dual-pipeline supply network alongside the existing Southern Xinjiang People's Livelihood Natural Gas Pipeline. This significantly alleviates gas supply shortages in nearby regions, playing a crucial role in winter supply security, improving livelihoods, and boosting local economic development.

Kang Chun, Chief Expert of Tarim Oilfield and Manager of the Southern Xinjiang Gas Pipeline Project, stated, "The completion of the Ying-San Line resolves issues related to insufficient pipeline capacity and coverage, directly benefiting over 2 million residents."

The Southern Xinjiang Gas Pipeline Project has a total planned length of 2,108 kilometers and will be implemented in three phases. With the Ying-San Line now operational and connected to the Keshen-Yingmai Pipeline (scheduled for completion by the end of 2024), an additional 477 kilometers of main supply network has been added to Southern Xinjiang. Once the Lunnan-Shangku section is completed, the first phase of the project will achieve full connectivity, benefiting even more residents across the region.