Consumption Of Motor Fuel

Northern Advocate, 13 May 1939, Page 2 (Supplement)

Consumption Of Motor Fuel

Petrol will play such an important part in any future warfare that it is of interest to mention the huge volumes of motor fuel consumed (or placed in reserve) during 1938 by the leading countries of the world. The figures quoted refer to barrels of 42 gallons capacity—United States, 521.000. Great Britain, 47,500,000; France. 20,500.000; Russia. 27,000,000; Germany, 27,300,000; Canada, 23,000,000; Japan, 7,800,000; Argentine, 7,000,000; and Italy, 5.500,000. Australia imported about 350,000,000 gallons, or approximately 8,000,000 barrels. The world consumption of petrol in 1938 is computed at 764,857,000 barrels, or over 32.123.000. gallons.

Whilst on the subject of motor fuel, it is worthy of note that, according to official statistics, the world production to date of petroleum oil has been over 33.000. barrels, and it is estimated that proven underground reserves total almost an equal volume, the figure arrived at being some 30.000. barrels, of which 14.000. are in the United States. Russia is credited with 5.,0000,000,000; Iraq, 3.50,000,000; Venezuela, 2.500.000. Dutch East Indies, 1.600.000. Iraq, 1,500,000,000; Rumania, 700,000,000, and Mexico, 600.000. These proven reserves should supply the world’s needs for another 15 years, during which period other sources of petroleum will no doubt be tapped.

The continued large volume of sales is surprising considering the unsettled state of business generally. The Radiator, journal of the New Zealand Garage Proprietors’ Association, considers that it is unlikely that it can continue very long.