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 ?
Show answer
Answer: A. Statement I is correct: the SUMED pipeline is a key route that carries Persian Gulf oil to Europe, used by tankers too large for the Suez Canal. Statement II is correct and explains it: it runs from Ain Sukhna on the Gulf of Suez (Red Sea) to Sidi Kerir on the Mediterranean coast near Alexandria. By linking the two seas it offers a bypass to the Suez Canal.
Watch for: Students may think only the Suez Canal links the two seas, but SUMED is a parallel pipeline route.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Wrong because the Red Sea-Mediterranean link is exactly what makes SUMED strategic.
- C. Wrong because SUMED really does connect the Red Sea with the Mediterranean.
- D. Wrong because SUMED is an important route for Gulf oil to Europe.
Source to check: US Energy Information Administration, 'World Oil Transit Chokepoints' (Suez Canal and SUMED Pipeline), eia.gov
Answer from the official UPSC key. Written and fact-checked by AI against the official key. Spotted a mistake? Report it.