Q1. [3] medium thorough-understanding
Crude oil refineries at Barauni, Mathura and Panipat are located deep inland, far from the oil fields or ports where crude arrives. Explain why pipeline transport emerged as the most suitable mode for supplying crude oil to these inland refineries. Support your answer with at least two distinct reasons.
Generated by claude-sonnet-4-6 · 2026-06-26 13:36 · grounding rag
Model Answer
Pipeline transport is the most suitable mode for supplying crude oil to inland refineries like Barauni, Mathura, and Panipat due to the following reasons:
- Feasibility for inland locations: The far inland locations of these refineries could be thought of only because of pipelines, which can carry crude oil efficiently over long distances from oil fields or ports.
- Low running cost: Although the initial cost of laying pipelines is high, subsequent running costs are minimal, making it economical for continuous supply.
- No trans-shipment losses or delays: Pipelines rule out trans-shipment losses or delays, ensuring a safe and uninterrupted supply of crude oil.
Source: Chapter 7, Pipelines section
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Explanation
- The answer directly uses textbook language — examiners reward accuracy with source text.
- Three distinct reasons are given even though two were asked; this strengthens a 3-mark answer.
- Key phrases like "far inland locations," "initial cost high but running costs minimal," and "rules out trans-shipment losses" are lifted from the passage — these are the scoring points.
- Avoid writing vague points like "it is fast" or "it is convenient" unless supported by the text.