UPSC Prelims 2009 Q27: Current Affairs – International Organisations & Groupings
Other than Venezuela, which one among the following from South America is a member of
OPEC ?
- (a) Argentina
- (b) Brazil
- (c) Ecuador
- (d) Bolivia
Answer: (c) Ecuador
Explanation
South American OPEC member besides Venezuela
Among South American countries, one other nation (besides Venezuela) was an OPEC member at the time.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Argentina | Incorrect | Not an OPEC member |
| (b) Brazil | Incorrect | Not an OPEC member, despite its oil production |
| (c) Ecuador | Correct | Ecuador was indeed a member of OPEC, alongside Venezuela, from South America |
| (d) Bolivia | Incorrect | Not an OPEC member |
OPEC's South American members:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Venezuela | Founding OPEC member |
| Ecuador | Also an OPEC member (with periods of suspension/withdrawal over the years) |
Answer: (c) Ecuador.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Argentina is not an OPEC member.
- (b) Incorrect. Brazil, despite oil production, is not an OPEC member.
- (c) CORRECT. Ecuador was an OPEC member alongside Venezuela.
- (d) Incorrect. Bolivia is not an OPEC member.
Key point
Besides Venezuela, ECUADOR was the other South American member of OPEC.
Remember
Besides Venezuela, Ecuador is the South American OPEC member.
Common mistakes
- Assuming major oil-producing countries like Brazil are automatically OPEC members.
- Not knowing Ecuador's specific OPEC membership status.
- Confusing OPEC membership with general oil-production capacity.
Exam tip
South American OPEC members: Venezuela and Ecuador — not Brazil, Argentina, or Bolivia, despite some of their own oil industries.
Sources
- Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries — OPEC Statute
- Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries — Annual Statistical Bulletin 2008