Evening star., 1944-01-30
0PA 10 Ration Tires
Strictly on Basis Of
0ccupationaI Need
BY JAMES Y. NEWTON.

Threatened with a tire shortage
more serious than anticipated, the
Office of Price Administration yes
terday tightened rationing regula-
tions-the action precluding virtu-
ally all A bookholders and many
B drivers from obtaining new or
used tires for some time to come.
Beginning Tuesday, ration boards
were instructed to distribute all
tires on strict occupational essen
tiality of applicants driving rather
than on a mileage basis. OPA said
the action was made necessary by
serious depletion of used tire stocks
currently given to low-mileage driv-
ers, coupled with inadequate sup
plies of new tires.
The threat of the tire shortage to
the Nations transportation was ac-
centuated by official figures showing
that there will be only 10000 new
tires to distribute in February to a
million essential motorists who will
need them. New tires available for
rationing in March and April are
not expected to exceed that figure.
Less Than 60 Days Supply.
The number of satisfactory used
tires and ones made of reclaimed
rubber in stock has dropped to L.
100000, less than a two-months' sup
ply at the current rate of distribu-
ton. After exhaustion of those
stocks, new synthetic rubber tires
must bear the full load of demand.
of new tires has fallen
behind the 30,0OO,0OO goal for this
year, because of heavy military de-
mands for synthetic rubber and
difficulties.
A separation of gasoline and tire
rationing is called for in the new
program, which will make necessary
reappraisal by ration boards of the
purpose of motorists car use. New
standards of essentially must be set
up with only those engaged in the
most important work made eligible
for new tires.
Generally speaking, only very
few motorists with A books will be
eligible for tires of any type, while
only the B drivers on the boards
c lists-those with essential needs
and low car use-will be eligible.
OPA conceded there might be some
car owners whose essential driving
was cared for by an A book, which
in the East makes possible 100 miles
a month of operation.
A great majority of c bookholders
will be eligible for tires, though the
limited supply may make it impos-
sible for all to get them. Ration
boards are bound strictly by their
tire quotas, SO c motorists also will
be rated according to essentially.
In some cases the driving of mo-
torists with B and even A books
must be considered more important
than some with Cs.
Still Eligible for Recapping.
All cars regardless of use will con-
tinue to be eligible for tire re-
Gaping, and OPA promised mate
rial and facilities for 1000 900 re-
caps a month. There have been
no restrictions on recapping for
some time.
Drivers who let their tires 20
beyond the recap stage" commented
Col. Bryan Houston, OPA rationing
chief, land who are not eligible for
new tires, are in very tough spot"
Col Houston was asked if he would
consider the critical tire situation
as temporary provided new produc-
ton reaches the 100000 goal set
Tor this year. He said he would
but added, Il don't like to 90 out
on limb like that"
Officials of the rubber directors
office have said recently it was not
likely the tire production goal could
be reached. Estimates of the prob
able 1914 tire output range from
2O,0O0,000 to 26,000,000
Under 1943 Average.
Col. Houston pointed out that in
1941 a total of $4,000, 1000 tires were
produced, 34,000,0OO for replace
ments and 100000 for new cars
Last year 22,500,000 tires of all
grades were available for rationing.
OF this number 11,400,00O we're new
and the remainder used or re-
claimed. The number of tires for
distribution in the next few months
will be well under the 1943 average
Meanwhile, the demand for new
tires was described by OPA as
"snowballing."
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In hfrnrifioe 'Timinn'