Ok, So we know certain commodities like Luxury goods and MOX Eventually dissapear if you don't have enough resources.
What about a new resource, Say a perishable type of H-fuel, were to be made. A capitol warship like a gunboat, cruiser, or battleship takes it. When they run out, boom.
It would stop Battleships from chasing fighters completly, because eventually they would have to return to base to resupply, and would cut there effectiveness.