The July 1940 ban on oil exports to Japan by the United States prohibited export of fuel with octane rating of what?

The July 1940 ban on oil exports to Japan by the United States prohibited export of fuel with octane rating of what?

• A. 85 Octane
• B. 87 Octane
• C. 89 Octane
• D. 91 Octane

Answer: (B)

High-octane fuel is important because it can withstand more compression before igniting, which allows aircraft engines to run at higher power and with better performance. In July 1940, the United States used export controls to curb Japan’s military capabilities by blocking shipments of a gasoline grade that provided the needed performance in engines. The specific grade targeted was 87 octane, a common high-octane fuel of the era that supported better engine performance. By withholding this grade, Japan’s ability to fuel its warplanes was hindered. The other octane levels listed aren’t the ones singled out by that particular ban.

High-octane fuel is important because it can withstand more compression before igniting, which allows aircraft engines to run at higher power and with better performance. In July 1940, the United States used export controls to curb Japan’s military capabilities by blocking shipments of a gasoline grade that provided the needed performance in engines. The specific grade targeted was 87 octane, a common high-octane fuel of the era that supported better engine performance. By withholding this grade, Japan’s ability to fuel its warplanes was hindered. The other octane levels listed aren’t the ones singled out by that particular ban.