Evening star., 1942-07-12
Hope for Increase
In Sugar Allowance
Held Out by 0PA
U. S. Obtaining SOC, 900
Tons q Month More
Than Amount Consumed

Hope for further increase In
the sugar ration was held out
yesterday by the Office of Price
Administration in announcing
results of a survey which showed
that the United States now is OBJ
tanning about 10000 tons more
sugar month than is being con-
sumed.
The survey, in which the OPA
said sugar consumption was shown
to be "only slightly less" than the
total of production and imports,
was designed to end rumors that
the supply is sufficiently large to
make sugar rationing unnecessary.
OPA said, however, that the excess
of supply will enable the Nation to
bring carry-over stocks, now far
below normal, back to sound level.
If there is any remaining excess
when this has been accomplished,
additional allowances will be dis
tributed to consumers.
Plan Reported Working Well.
Rationing has prevented a ma
tional sugar disaster, and the plan
is working well throughout the
country, it was said The ration
must be continued on approximately
the same basis ito assure every
one fair share of the commodity"
OPA added.
The country now is consuming
about 475,000 tons of sugar a month
This includes supplies in the armed
services and lease-lend shipments.
The supply from crops in this
country and all imports totals about
1923 tons month. Estimates
are based on figures supplied by the
War Production Board, the Depart
ment Of Agriculture, the Shipping
Priorities Committee and upon
OPA's own studies.
The bulk of the sugar supply is
brought in ships from Puerto Rico
and Cuba. If the rate of imports
can be maintained at the level OF
the first half OF the year the sugar
situation, with each consumer on
restricted ration, will be considered
basically sound. However, if war
fare cuts down the rate of import,
or if the yield in this country falls
below expectations, the rationing
system will have to be frightened,
OPA said.
Visible sugar stocks now on hand
total 1854, 600 tons compared to l.
968, 900 tons this time last year,
decrease of is per cent. Imports
for May and June were 100000 tons
more than officials had counted on,
It was explained. This accounted
for the extra 2-pound ration now in
effect. y
Supply Is Uncertain.
The normal sugar consumption in
peacetime is about $780, 900 tons
year. Rationing reduced this to S.
100000 tons to cover civilian con-
sumption and to allow large supplies
for the armed forces and lease lend
shipments.
The country's beet crop this year,
It is estimated, will produce 1.860,-
600 tons, and an additional 100000
tons will be received from the cane
sugar crop in this country. All the
rest must be imported. Increased
shipping perils and the increased
need for ships to carry war ma
terials makes this supply uncertain.
1t is hoped imports from June
! to the end of the year will total
as follows: zoe, 900 tons from Cuba,
100000 tons from Puerto Rico, 49,
900 tons from Hawaii, and $1,000
tons from the Virgin Islands and
elsewhere.
All supply figures now total 6,054,-
284 tons year. This is 354, 900 tons
more than is being used a year at
current rates. OPA said this mar
gin is too dangerous for normal
times, but not so dangerous under
rationing where immediate curtail-
mcnt of consumption can be put
into effect when the need arises.