Evening star., 1943-05-28
BY GOULD LINCOLN.

Fuel oil rationing for the WIN
ter of 1894 is being worked out
by the OPA with the utmost care
for the protection of the health
of the people.
Here are highlights of the pro-
gram. tentative still but which will
be announced in full very soon:
l. Simple honor system reappn-
cation blank.
2. Consumers given opportunity
to fill tanks during the summer
3 Streamlined coupon mechanics.
4. Ration banking for suppliers
and for large consumers.
5. Simplification plan for small
users mostly kerosene.
6. Increased rations for small
homes.
Three Months on Plan.
With a years experience to its
advantage, the OPA has worked for
nearly three months on the new
program. 1t has conferred with
consumer and labor groups. It has
received suggestions from members
Of Congress, governors, mayors,
health officers and members of the
oil industry. Many conferences
we're held with regional and district
officers who have been in charge of
fuel Oil rationing. Careful atten-
ton was given to all the complaints
and criticisms of the ratlOnlng pro-
gram in effect during the last year.
Although there was demand in
some quarters that the whole system
of 1942-43 rationing be scrapped and
a new start be made, it was deemed
unwise. The new program is based
on the old, with improved and
streamlining amendments designed
to aid the consumers as we'll as to
conserve in every way possible the
fuel oil supplies. An effort has
been made also to correct Incl
dental ineouities growing out of
the administration of this years
plan.
The first basic decision reached
was to do away with general re-
calculation of individual rations. In
other words. except in special cases,
rations will be reissued on the basis
of this years calculations.
The second basic decision was to
put rations in the hands of the con-
sumers during June. This carries
with it the opportunity to fill con-
sumner tanks without delay this sum-
mer.
This is particularly important in
the East Coast States and also in
the Northwest, where consumers
tanks represent a substantial por-
ton of total storage capacity. The
fllup of these tanks will help stock
positions at the beginning of the
next heating season and also in
crease the efficiency of delivery op-
erations by the oil industry.
The plan is for a general reregis-
tration for present ration holders
during the frs two weeks in June.
Since no new information will be
required Of the consumer. simple
one-page application form will be
sufficient for reregistration.
Beyond identifying the consumer
and indicating that there has been
no change of address, the form will
constitute an application for re-
newal of this years ration. 1t will
be subject to whatever adjustments
the individual consumer may be en-
titled to under the new regulations.
No declaration of inventory on hand
will be required on this renewal
application form. The board. at the
time Of reissuing the ration, will
check this years calculations for
any errors that may have been
made.
Forms Simplified.
Those consumers who will need a
ration for next winter for heat and
hot water purposes, and have not
had ration during the current year
will be required to file the detailed
application form. Wherever possible
the 1941-42 consumption of the pre-
vious occupant will be used in cal
culating the ration in such cases.
Last years forms for private dwell
ings and for all other structures,
somewhat simplif1ed, will be avail
able after October l.
The local rationing boards are at
present engaged in addressing re-
newal forms for oil rations. These
forms will be distributed by mail
within the next few days.
Consumers will be required to file
the renewal form before June IS
or run the risk of not getting next
winters ration until October or No.
vember. This sanction is necessary.
it is said, because the local boards
schedule is already filled for the
months of July. August and at least
part of September.
Industry cooperation will be