Why fuel constrained Yamato-class deployment

Did logistics and fuel concerns explain Japan's reluctance to send the Yamato-class battleships into southern waters?

Yes; their exceptional fuel consumption made long-range deployment a major logistical commitment.

Fuel and logistics are given as reasons for reluctance to deploy the Yamato class to southern waters. These were the largest battleships built, and their fuel consumption was correspondingly heavy. Moving them therefore carried a substantial supply cost before their combat power could be used.