UPSC Prelims 2008 Q117: Indian Economy – Infrastructure & Industry
How much is one barrel of oil approximately equal to?
- (a) 131 litres
- (b) 159 litres
- (c) 257 litres
- (d) 321 litres
Answer: (b) 159 litres
Explanation
Volume equivalent of one barrel of oil
This standard unit of measurement, widely used in the global oil industry, converts to a specific metric volume.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) 131 litres | Incorrect | Understates the actual conversion |
| (b) 159 litres | Correct | One barrel of oil is approximately equal to 159 litres |
| (c) 257 litres | Incorrect | Overstates the actual conversion |
| (d) 321 litres | Incorrect | Significantly overstates the actual conversion |
Barrel of oil facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Standard conversion | ~159 litres |
| Use | Standard unit in global oil trade |
Answer: (b) 159 litres.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. 131 litres understates the actual conversion.
- (b) CORRECT. One barrel of oil is approximately 159 litres.
- (c) Incorrect. 257 litres overstates the actual conversion.
- (d) Incorrect. 321 litres significantly overstates the actual conversion.
Key point
One barrel of oil is approximately equal to 159 litres, the standard unit used in global oil trade.
Remember
One barrel of oil is approximately equal to 159 litres.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the 159-litre barrel standard with other volume units or rough approximations.
- Not knowing this widely used international oil trade conversion figure.
- Mixing up barrel measurements with unrelated volume units.
Exam tip
1 barrel of oil ≈ 159 litres, the standard global oil trade conversion.
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — barrel (unit of measure)
- U.S. Energy Information Administration — Energy Units and Calculators Explained: barrel of oil (42 US gallons, about 159 litres)