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?

Consider the following statements: Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a…

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

Statement-I: Correct. The SUMED (Suez-Mediterranean) pipeline is used to carry Persian Gulf oil across Egypt to the Mediterranean, helping shipments reach Europe while bypassing the Suez Canal bottleneck. UPSC’s wording includes natural gas, but the route is strategically important for Gulf energy supplies to Europe.
Statement-II: Correct. The pipeline connects Ain Sukhna on the Red Sea to Sidi Kerir on the Mediterranean Sea.
Link: Statement-II explains Statement-I because this Red Sea–Mediterranean connection makes SUMED a strategic transit route for Gulf energy headed to Europe.

Therefore, (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I.