Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Pipelines can transport crude oil over long distances efficiently and continuously, making it possible to supply inland refineries far from oilfields or ports. For example, Barauni is connected to Assam oilfields via pipeline, and Mathura and Panipat receive crude oil from Salaya (Gujarat) through the Salaya–Jalandhar pipeline. This eliminated the need for costly road/rail transport of crude. The initial cost of laying pipelines is high, but running costs are minimal and there are no trans-shipment losses or delays.

Limitation: The initial cost of laying pipelines is very high, and once laid, they lack flexibility — capacity cannot be easily increased, and they cannot be used for other goods without modification.

Source: Chapter 7 — Pipelines

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• The examiner expects you to link pipelines → inland refinery feasibility with a specific example (Barauni/Salaya–Jalandhar network).
• One clearly stated limitation is sufficient — don't list two. "High initial cost" OR "inflexibility" are both acceptable; avoid vague answers like "not good."
• Avoid padding; 3 marks = roughly 3 scorable points: (1) how pipelines help, (2) an example, (3) one limitation.