[marshmallow]

They can pump it and store it, can't they?

[zlala]

Storage takes both room, and costs money. Plus it takes time to build storage facilities. The USSR went into the Winter with a financial plan, based upon production output and projected oil prices. Once they set their plan in motion, they are committed. The USSR are not a bunch of fools. They would much rather sell their oil at $30 than $10/barrel. Wouldn't you?