Which of the following statements are correct ? 1. The global economy relied on oil for much of the 20th century as a portable and indispensable fuel. 2. The immense wealth associated with oil generates political strug- gles to control it. 3. History of petroleum is also the history of war and struggle. 4. Nowhere is this more obviously the case of war and struggle than in West Asia and Central America. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

The global economy relied heavily on oil throughout the 20th century as it became an indispensable and portable fuel, driving motor vehicles, aircraft, and industrial development [1][c1][t2]. The immense wealth generated by petroleum reserves frequently leads to intense political struggles for control, as oil is synonymous with power and economic modernization [t3][t4]. Consequently, the history of petroleum is inextricably linked to a history of war, militarism, and geopolitical struggle [t3][t4][t5]. While West Asia (the Middle East) is the primary example of such conflict due to its vast reserves and strategic importance [t3][t6], the fourth statement's inclusion of Central America as a primary site of 'oil war' is less historically accurate compared to regions like the Middle East or Africa. Standard academic texts on petroleum geopolitics emphasize West Asia and Africa (or South America/Venezuela) rather than Central America as the focal points of oil-driven warfare.

Sources

1. [1] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 27: Fuel and Power > The uses of oil > p. 271