Which country implemented a seven-year Synthetic Oil Industry Law to supply half of its oil consumption from coal-derived fuels?

• A. United States
• B. United Kingdom
• C. Japan
• D. Germany

Answer: (C)

This item tests wartime energy policy and how a country tried to secure fuel by creating liquid fuels from coal. Faced with oil imports and embargo pressures, Japan pursued self-sufficiency by converting coal into liquid fuels. The law established a seven-year plan to supply about half of oil consumption from coal-derived fuels, driving large-scale coal liquefaction and related plants. This specific seven-year goal to replace half of oil use with coal-based fuels is characteristic of Japan’s wartime strategy, making it the best fit. Other nations did pursue coal-to-liquids operations, but not with that exact framework and target.