UPSC Prelims 2024 Question on SUMED Pipeline – Strategic Route & Red Sea
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?
✅ Correct Answer: (a)
Explanation:
Statement I – Correct: The SUMED pipeline acts as a major strategic route for transporting Persian Gulf oil and natural gas to Europe and North America, especially when the Suez Canal isn’t usable for large tankers.
Statement II – Correct: The SUMED pipeline in Egypt links the Red Sea (Ain Sukhna) to the Mediterranean Sea (Sidi Kerir).
Relationship: Statement II correctly explains Statement I because this geographical connection enables the pipeline to serve as a vital bypass route for Gulf energy exports.
