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?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

UPSC CSE Prelims 2024: General Studies Official Paper

Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Answer 1

The correct answer is Option 1.

Key Points

The Sumed pipeline is indeed a critical transportation route primarily for oil (not so much natural gas, which mainly focuses on oil) from the Persian Gulf region to Europe.
It serves as an alternative to the Suez Canal for transporting large quantities of oil that cannot pass through the Suez Canal due to tanker size limitations. Hence Statement I is correct.
The Sumed pipeline connects the Ain Sukhna terminal on the Red Sea coast to the Sidi Kerir terminal on the Mediterranean coast in Egypt, facilitating the transfer of oil between these two seas. Hence Statement II is correct.
The connectivity between the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea allows for bypassing the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope or the limitations of the Suez Canal, making it strategic indeed. Hence Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.