Which Indian port handles the highest volume of crude oil imports?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
Paradip Port
Explanation
Paradip Port, located in Odisha, handles the highest volume of crude oil imports among the given Indian ports. It serves as a strategic gateway for the import of crude oil, primarily feeding major oil refineries in the eastern, central, and northern parts of India, including the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) refinery at Paradip itself. It features highly advanced oil handling facilities, such as Single Point Moorings (SPMs) capable of handling Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs).
The roles of the other ports mentioned in the options are as follows:
Kandla Port (Deendayal Port), located in Gujarat, is one of the top major ports in terms of overall cargo volume and handles a massive quantity of dry cargo and liquid chemicals, along with crude oil for western refineries.
Mumbai Port is an older major port on the west coast that handles significant petroleum products and general cargo, though its relative share in crude imports has been shared with nearby modern ports like JNPT.
Visakhapatnam Port, located in Andhra Pradesh on the east coast, is a leading port for handling iron ore, coal, and petroleum products, catering extensively to the Visakhapatnam refinery.
Key Points
Paradip Port is an artificial, deep-water port functioning as a major hub on the East Coast of India, situated at the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal.
The port has consistently ranked among the top major ports of India in terms of annual cargo throughput, driving industrial growth in the hinterlands of Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
Additional Facts
To support the high volume of crude oil imports, a network of cross-country pipelines originates from Paradip Port, such as the Paradip-Haldia-Barauni Pipeline, which safely transports crude oil directly to inland refineries deep within the country.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: In which Indian state is the Paradip Port located?
Answer: Odisha.
Question: Which public sector oil company operates a major refinery near the Paradip Port?
Answer: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).