An overview of seismic design of oil pipeline systems is presented including the performance of petroleum transmission systems during past earthquakes, a dual level seismic design philosphy that is recommended for these systems, geotechnical investigations needed to define design loads induced by seismic hazards, and design approaches for buried pipeline. Based on the dual seismic design philosophy the pipeline system is designed to minimize the possibility of oil spillage during an earthquake that has a low probability of occurrence and to remain operational after an earthquake that has a reasonable probability of affecting the pipeline system during its life. Design approaches for buried pipeline at fault crossings or in zones of potential liquefaction are available by which pipelines can be designed to minimize the possibility of rupture resulting from large differential soil displacements due to fault movement of liquefaction.