And you think Japan's additional success isn't going to make the road back harder & bloodier?
"Lower fuel reserves"? How about no tankers to supply the task forces? How about fewer ASW patrols in the Atlantic because there isn't fuel for DDs? More losses to ships in convoy? Cancelled bomber operations because fuel can't be delivered? Cancelled offensives, for the same reason? Additional famine in Bengal or India, when the Brits stop fuel deliveries to make up shortages at home? Revolt in India as a result?
And if ops do get cancelled, what about more German victories in Africa? Or easier Japanese victories in Burma & India?
It's all connected.
It's not just production: as I've said already, it's
delivery. Every tanker tied up in replenishment is one not available for other duty, & the losses off the East Coast in
Paukenschlag meant there were
already tanker shortages.
Steaming at slower speed isn't an option in combat... And I've already mentioned the impact of West Coast basing...


Even President
Chauncey Gardiner 
couldn't screw it up.