THE SHORT VERSION

Find the earliest stage that is not supplying the next one. Empty stations and slow deliveries need different investigations.

The steps below are editorial suggestions to test in your own save.

Understand the chain

Use the documented chain below as a troubleshooting map. The diagram describes the sequence, not exact machine ratios, vehicle assignments or production rates. Those details must be checked in your current version.

Developer-described sequence: oil extraction, transport, refinery, transport, gas station.
Original concept illustration. Not a tested game layout. Swipe horizontally to see the full diagram.

Check upstream first

Start at the source and inspect whatever status information the game exposes. Then follow a delivery toward the next stage. Identify where material stops progressing, rather than adding more of the final building because that is where you noticed the shortage.

  • Extraction: is the source producing according to the game's status display?
  • First transfer: does material reach the refinery?
  • Refining: does processed output become available?
  • Final transfer: does a delivery reach the station?
  • Customer access: can a vehicle complete a visit to that station?

Distinguish shortage from delay

Compare what is waiting at the source with what is missing at the destination. If supply appears available upstream, watch the delivery journey and any queue along it. If every stage is empty, start further back in the chain.

Observe more than one delivery cycle before judging a change. A temporary refill can hide a repeating shortage. Keep a simple note of what empties first and whether the same pattern returns.

Run one controlled experiment

Make a save, choose one suspected constraint, and change only that element. Use the same station and a similar observation window to compare the result. If access is the issue, consult the traffic guide before increasing production.

Avoid changing fuel prices and the entire delivery route together. Even if the outcome improves, you will not know which change mattered or whether the same fix will work in the next district.

READY FOR THE NEXT CHANGE?

Your quick checklist

Tick these off while you inspect your save. Checks are temporary.

Sources & limits

Reviewed on 11 October 2026. Pre-release descriptions can change. These suggestions have not been tested in a played save. Full editorial policy.