Q. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe.
Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Correct answer: (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation:
Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe.
This statement is correct. The Sumed (Suez-Mediterranean) pipeline is indeed a crucial route for transporting oil from the Persian Gulf to Europe. It provides an alternative to navigating around Africa when the Suez Canal cannot accommodate large oil tankers or during times when the canal might be closed.
Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.
This statement is also correct. The Sumed pipeline runs from Ain Sukhna on the Gulf of Suez (which is part of the Red Sea) to Sidi Kerir on the Mediterranean coast of Egypt.
Now, let’s consider the relationship between these statements:
Statement-II does provide additional information about the geographical location of the Sumed pipeline, which helps explain why it’s strategic (as mentioned in Statement-I). By connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, it provides a direct route for oil shipments from the Persian Gulf to Europe, bypassing the need to go around Africa.
Given this analysis, the correct answer is:
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I