Japan's 1940 oil balance exposed the civilian economy

Japan's 1940 imports included about 22 million barrels of crude oil, roughly 1.5 million barrels of aviation fuel, 4.3 million barrels of petrol, nearly 8 million barrels of diesel, and 1 million barrels of lubricating oil. Total crude and refined imports into the inner zone were about 37.2 million barrels. Civilian petrol consumption alone was roughly 6.3 million barrels, while total petrol consumption was about 7.8 million barrels. Because the army and navy would retain priority, sanctions or blockade would transfer much of the import shortfall to civilian transport and industry. Even modest synthetic output could prevent a disproportionate economic contraction without meeting the military's entire demand.