Construction of a US$1 billion gas pipeline running from lot B on the south-western sea coast to Can Tho city will start this year, an official from the PetroVietnam said.

The pipeline will be 398 km-246 km at sea and 152 km on land-Head of the management board of the southwest Vietnam gas project, Pham Hong Linh said on August 19.

Once finished, the pipeline crossing five provinces, will provide 16-18 million cubic metres of gas everyday for the O Mon Electricity Centre in Can Tho City, the PetroVietnam official added.

Contractor Vietsovpetro and the five provinces-Ca Mau, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, Hau Giang and Can Tho City-are cooperating in conducting a detailed survey, a preparatory step for clearing the ground soon.