May 15, 1942 – Mandatory Gasoline Rationing

Sixty-five years ago today, the U.S. Office of Price Administration (OPA) established mandatory gasoline rationing in 17 states during World War II. Although fuel supplies were adequate for America's relatively small fleet of automobiles, a shortage of rubber had slashed the nation's tire supply. During the winter of 1941 – 1942, the Imperial Japanese army rolled across the Dutch East Indies and captured the plantations that produced 90% of America's raw rubber. While the U.S. War Department sought out new supplies for its military machines, the OPA called upon citizens to contribute scrap rubber from old tires, rubber raincoats, garden hose, rubber shoes, and other household items. In addition to rationing rubber, the OPA also issued gasoline ration stamps. To secure a week's supply of gas, American car owners certified to a local board that they needed the gasoline and owned no more than five tires. As a magazine advertisement reminded drivers, "Your Car is a War Car Now."

The OPA produced several categories of color-coded gasoline ration stickers, each of which displayed a letter. Motorists whose windshields bore a black "A" sticker could purchase three gallons of gasoline a week, but were not allowed to take their cars on a pleasure cruise. Cars with a green "B" sticker were entitled to weekly supply of eight gallons and driven by civilians whose labor was essential to the war effort. Doctors, clergy, and mail carriers were given a red "C" sticker and allowed to purchase more gasoline. Truckers affixed a "T" stamp to their windshields while members of Congress and other government officials displayed a rare "X" sticker. To remind American motorists about the purpose of gasoline rationing, each class of sticker explained how to "save tires". First and foremost, drivers were instructed to travel at less than 35 mph. They were also advised to share their vehicles; check tire air-pressure regularly; stop, start, and turn slowly; and rotate their tires on a regular basis. Last but not least, the gasoline ration stickers asked: "Is this trip really necessary."

Resources:

http://www.prewarbuick.com/features/your_car_is_a_war_now

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_of_Price_Administration

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_home_front_during_World_War_II#Civilian_consumption_and_rationing

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,775101,00.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Netherlands_East_Indies_campaign