China’s largest gas producer, PetroChina, says there is no need for it to tap into Russia’s natural gas supply for its $8.5-billion gas pipeline across China, despite the fact that Russia’s largest gas company is involved in the project.

PetroChina plans to use gas reserves in the Tarim Basin and nearby areas to supply the pipeline for 45 years, although current 12 Tcf of proven gas reserves at the Tarim Basin are sufficient to deliver 423 Bcf/y for only 20 years. Even if Tarim runs dry, gas reserves in the Ordos and Qaidam basins could be used as supplements, said PetroChina’s Vice President Shi Xingquan, adding that Russia would be PetroChina’s last resort.