Destroying Romanian oil production early in 1941 could force Germany to delay Barbarossa, but continued Soviet oil sales provide a possible way to rebuild stocks. Fuel imports would still depend on railways, ports, and storage sites that the new bomber force could attack without attacking Soviet territory itself. German and Hungarian oil production and synthetic-fuel plants would provide further targets. The scenario therefore depends on disrupting the supply network as well as damaging oilfields. Italy is expected to face an even more severe shortage because of its dependence on Romanian supply. Germany might postpone its eastern campaign or consider alternatives through Turkey, although the participants differ over how those choices would develop. Lower bomber losses at high altitude would also preserve experienced crews and their knowledge of operating the aircraft.
Notable Point · 4:32:21-4:37:17
Early B-29 attacks threaten the Axis fuel network
Soviet imports could replace some lost Romanian oil, but attacks on transport, storage, and synthetic-fuel plants would make the broader supply network vulnerable.