Questions about France in 1940

Germany´s rapid conquests of Norway, Denmark, the Low Countries and France actually resulted in slight increases in its meager oil reserves. During these campaigns the Wehrmacht consumed relatively little oil, mainly because of the small number of protracted battles and a heavy reliance on horse-drawn supply columns. German forces actually managed to win their victories in 1940 using mere 12 million barrels of oil barrels of oil, or about the same as the USA produced in every three days. Additionally, stocks of oil during the short campaigns, especially against France, were larger than the amounts consumed. For instance 250,000 tons of aviation fuel alone ( the equivalent of five months´production ) were captured during the French campaign.

However the conquests made Germany responsible for meeting the oil need of all its occupied lands. Thus, from June 1940 onward, Italy was almost totally dependent on Germany for oil and, as result, became a serious drain on the latter´s production and stock.

"Stopped at Stalingrad" by Joel A. Hayward

 

One should also not forget that during 1940 and early 1941 Germany was drawing oil from the Soviet Union

 

Very true. If I recall correctly the last trains crossed the border to Germany the night of German attack.