1. Gasoline: To save fuel for the military and essential services, the US government introduced gasoline rationing in May 1942. Motorists were required to apply for a ration book and were allotted a limited amount of gasoline per month based on their occupation and need for transportation.
2. Meat, Poultry, Fish, and Dairy Products: The Office of Price Administration (OPA) began rationing meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products in March 1943. Ration stamps were issued to consumers based on their household size, and they could only purchase a specific amount of these foods each week.
3. Coffee and Sugar: Coffee and sugar were also rationed starting in 1942 due to shortages caused by disruptions in trade routes and increased global demand. Consumers were limited in the amount of coffee and sugar they could purchase, and they had to use ration stamps for these items.
4. Tires and Rubber Products: The US military prioritized rubber for the production of military equipment like tires, hoses, and gaskets, leading to a shortage of rubber for civilian use. As a result, the OPA implemented tire rationing in January 1942, restricting the number of tires that could be purchased and requiring individuals to turn in old tires in exchange for new ones.
5. Shoes: Leather was needed for the production of military boots, so civilian shoe production was restricted. The government began rationing shoes in February 1943, and consumers could purchase only a limited number of pairs of shoes per year.