As reported earlier by EnergyReview.net, the pipeline leaked more than 1,000 tons of crude and cost US$480,000 in damages.

The leak occurred in the Yan’an section of the pipeline and the local government in the area has mobilised a “work team” to weld the leak and to clean farmland and roads affected by the leaking crude.

Although investigations are still on-going, local police believe theft was the cause behind the rupture as tools like spanners, valves and a fire engine hose was found near the site of the incident.