That's right, but you can import some goods from the mediteranian sea. That shortens the gap.

I have solved that problem by reducing the Pitch production after building all needed wagons and ships. And the brick produktion after nearly finishing all possible buildings. You have to build 100% wells in all citys or the fires will cause a break down if you play on professional level. But if you have 100% wells you can go on with about 60 to 70% of the normal need for bricks without causing trouble and with less than 40% of the needed pitch.

Hein