Evening star., 1941-07-23

Plans were under way today for
immediate construction of S70.-
100000 crude oil pipe line system
that will pump to the East Coast
250000 barrels a day. relieving the
acute shortage which Eastern States
and the District face
In recommending this project yes
terday afternoon, Secretary of the
Interior Ickes. the defense petroleum
co-ordinator. made it clear that the
proposed new pipe line cannot bring
relief before next spring. Under
the most favorable conditions. its
construction will require at least
eight months.
Meanwhile, sharp reduction in the
consumption of oil on the Eastern
Seaboard probably will be necessary.
The shortage is caused, not by insult
ficient petroleum in the oil fields,
but by curtailed transportation, due
to the transfer of so tankers to
Britain-a substantial part OF the
fleet which brings most of the Easts
oil from Gulf ports.
Recommends More Tankers.
In urging the pipe line, Secretary
Ickes also recommended that the Oil
industry at once undertake an aug
mented tanker building program
which would produce 40 to so large,
high-speed vessels" in addition to
the l39 now under construction or
contract by the Maritime Commits
sion and various private companies.
The pipe line sanctioned by the
petroleum co-ordinator would orlgl-
nate in the East Texas oil fields and
run as a 20-inch line to a point IN
Illinois east of St. Louis. This line
would have a daily capacity OF 200
600 barrels. but at its Illinois terml-
nal it would connect with l6-inch
line starting at Wood River, H.,
where other lines from the Mid
continent and Texas fields now END.
The l6-inch line is to have a capacity
of $4,000 barrels day. From the
! junction of the two lines. 24-inch
line, capable of carrying 250,0OO bar
rels a day, would be built to the
Atlantic Coast, terminating IN the
Philadelphia and New York refining
areas.
Leading oil companies are expect
ed by Mr.. Ickes to unite in the new
pine line system. Federal ald, II
necessary, is authorized in the Cole
bill. which both houses of Congress
have Just approved. The measure
also gives private companies build
ing pipe lines the same authority
the Government has to condemn
rights of way. The Government
NAV. under this legislation, either
aid or operate such lines, but. In
this instance. the petroleum COM
panies are expected to operate 1t
jointly.
Big Companies Would Assist.
Those listed by Mr.. Ickes as will
ing to 90 into the enterprise in
clude Socony-Vacuum Oil Co.. Cities
Service Co., Standard on 20. OF
New Jersey Atlantic Refining Co,
Tidewater Associated Oil Co., Shell
Oil Co., Gulf Oil Co., Texas Oil Co.
and the Consolidated Oil Co.
1t was explained at the Petroleum
Coordination Division of the In
terror Department that cities like
Washington will have no difficulty
when these big pipe lines from the
Texas fields are completed, although
they are not on the direct route.
Washington, Baltimore, Richmond
and other cities, it was pointed out,
will be served from the Philadelphia
and New York refineries by rail-
road tank cars and trucks. The
short haul to all Eastern centers
would make the oil reserves avail
able quickly and at reasonable ex-
pense, it was explained.
However, Secretary Ickes added
to his announcement. Further
consideration should Immediately be
given by the industry to the Ques-
ton of constructing petroleum
product line from the Gulf to the
Atlantic Seaboard."
This would carry refined products
gasoline, kerosene, lubricating oil
helping to meet the tremendous
demand of an Eastern region which
produces very little oil and must
depend almost entirely on Louis
lana and Texas.
Tankers Garry All Products.
Tanker ships have carried both
crude and refined petroleum, de-
pending on the shipping company,
the port of consignment and the
type Of business.
Such a project as the proposed
$4,000 900 pipe line system perma-