How escort shortages could deepen Japan's fuel shortage

What use are more destroyers if Japan does not have enough fuel?

More escorts could protect the convoys bringing fuel to Japan, so failing to build them could make the fuel shortage worse.

More destroyers and escorts required fuel, but they could also protect the convoys carrying fuel home. Seizing a resource did not ensure that it reached the ships and industry that needed it. A shortage of escorts is therefore offered as one reason for the continuing shortage of usable fuel. Reducing escort construction to avoid additional consumption could leave fewer ships to protect replenishment. This is a circular logistical problem in which fuel availability and convoy protection affect one another.