Which statement about India's total primary energy consumption is supported by the material?

• A. India has the second highest total primary energy consumption.
• B. India has the third highest total primary energy consumption, after China and the United States.
• C. India has the highest total primary energy consumption.
• D. India has the fourth highest total primary energy consumption.

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is how total primary energy consumption is compared across countries. Total primary energy consumption counts all energy inputs from coal, oil, gas, renewables, etc., before any conversion to electricity or other forms, so it reflects overall demand rather than just per-person use. The material shows China and the United States at the top, with India in third place. That ordering means India is the third highest in total energy use, after those two nations, which is why the statement describing India as third after China and the United States is the best fit. The other options would require a different ranking—being second would mean India surpasses the United States, being first would mean India leads overall, and being fourth would place India behind another large energy user not indicated by the material.