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 ✓ UPSC's answer
- (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
Why the answer is (a)
• The SUMED (Suez–Mediterranean) pipeline runs 320 km across Egypt from Ain Sukhna on the Gulf of Suez (Red Sea) to Sidi Kerir near Alexandria on the Mediterranean — Statement-II is correct.
• It lets tankers too large for the Suez Canal offload Persian Gulf crude on the Red Sea side and reload it on the Mediterranean side, providing an alternative to the Canal and to the long Cape route; it is thus a strategic route for Gulf oil to Europe — Statement-I is correct.
• The pipeline's Red Sea–Mediterranean link is precisely what makes it a strategic conduit, so Statement-II explains Statement-I.
• Attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea since late 2023 have highlighted the vulnerability of both the Canal and SUMED.
• Hence option (a).
Why the other options are wrong
- (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain…
- The Red Sea-Mediterranean link is exactly what makes SUMED strategic, so II explains I.
- (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
- Statement-II is correct: the pipeline joins the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.
- (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct
- Statement-I is correct: SUMED is a key route for Gulf oil to Europe.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.