Germany's Oil Supplies

Abstract

IN a carefully reasoned article published in the November issue of the Industrial Chemist, Dr. A. J. V. Underwood explains why in his opinion it is unlikely that Germany's belligerent activities will be suspended owing to shortage of oil. The present rate of production of oil and alternative fuels in the German Reich is estimated as 4,300,000 tons. This figure includes potential production of plants expected to be in operation by the end of this year. If plants which are likely to be in production by the end of 1940 or beginning of 1941 are included in the estimate, the potential rate of production of oil from all sources becomes 6,550,000 tons per year. In addition, imports of oil are at present available to Germany from Estonia, Rumania and the U.S.S.R. These with home-produced oil bring her total resources to 7,000,000 tons a year. If home production is increased as is anticipated, Germany will have access to 9,300,000 tons of oil a year. In 1938 Germany, including Czechoslovakia, consumed 7,900,000 tons of oil. This is substantially less than the 9,300,000 tons per annum potentially available, but has reference to peace-time conditions. In war-time, consumption by the fighting services will obviously increase even beyond the figure for 1938 when Germany was mobilizing, but at the same time civilian consumption will drop on account of the stringent rationing schemes now in force; also less oil will be used by Germany's mercantile marine, the activities of which have been so severely restricted of late. It is probable, therefore, that Germany's potential resources of oil will be sufficient for her war-time needs, and as reserves are available to supplement home production until such time as all projected plants are in operation, it is unlikely that she will go short of oil, unless through drastic changes in the international situation.