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Soviet Union [USSR] FUELS
In the 1980s, fuels presented formidable problems for Soviet
planners. Although the Soviet Union possessed enormous fuel
reserves, it was difficult to balance extraction and transport
costs, even as the drive continued for greater production levels.
Fuel availability was a prime consideration in locating new
industry. And long-term investment planning faced choices among
coal, oil, and natural gas. Choices leaned strongly in the late
1980s toward gas over oil because of the greater reserves and
cheaper transport of gas. Nevertheless, efforts also continued to
formulate a "coal strategy" that would return coal to its former
prominence. In 1988 about 28 percent of total national investment
went into the Soviet fuel and energy complex, compared with nearly
12 percent in 1980.
Data as of May 1989
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