Evening star., 1945-05-24
A-Card Holders Get
50 Pei. Boost in Gas
Beginning June u
BY the Associsted PRESS.

begInnlng June II
By the Associated Press.
Uncle Sam gave the signal to-
day for more gasoline for the
Nations motorists.
Relieved OF the task of pouring
thousands of barrels daily to Euro
pean battlefields, the Government
announced a so per cent increase in
basic A rations, effective June %,
and substantial boost for many B
drivers beginning June IL.
This means that the new Ais
coupons will be good for six gallons
each instead of four. Motorists thus
will be able to obtain an average of
three gallons week rather than
two. d.
The change in the B ration in
creases the ceiling for supplement
tary gasoline to $50 miles a month
throughout the country. Currently
the top allowance is 325 miles in
the East, ATS in the Midwest and 400
in the Far West.
Some b Drivers Excluded.
In announcing these ration hikes
last night, the OPA and the Petrole-
um Administration for War empha-
sized that not all B drivers will be
eligible for increases.
Many B ration holders now have
all the gasoline they need" said
OPA Administrator Chester Bowles.
Unfortunately, there is not enough
to give these people more than the
increase in their A rations."
Those who can show an occupa
tional need for more. in addition
to the A hike, will be able to present
their case to local ration boards be-
ginning June IL, Mr.. Bowles added.
AS for A coupons, they will con-
tinue to become valid in series of
six and will be good three months
as at present. The only difference
is, they will be honored for so per
cent more gasoline.
Equal Footing for U. s.
The new adjustment of allotments
marks the first time since the start
Of gasoline rationing in 1912 that
the entire country has been on an
equal footing In both A and poten-
tial B grants.
Noting that A motorists have been
severely limited" in use of their
cars since the start Of the war, MIR.
Bowles said he was particularly
pleased" to announce the increase.
Deputy PAW Administrator Ralph
K. Davies injected a note OF eau
ton, however, that the more liberal
rations could be temporary. He said {:
The additional quantities to be
made available to the civilian are
not guaranteed for any certain pc
riod Of time, but must always re-
main dependent on changes in the
military demand"
Petroleum officials previously had
stated that an increase for civilians
was TO be expected while the pipe
line that supplied the European
theater was being turned west to
the Pacific. While this was being
done, there was bound to be a sur
plus that could not be stored, they
predicted.
Mr.. Davies said that while military
demands for petroleum in the Pacific
alone will exceed former require
ments for two war fronts, the need
in fighting Japan lis more for fuel
Oil and somewhat less for gasoline. +"
Hence we are able to give the
civilian an increased share Of the
latter" he added.
OPA reminded that motorists A
rations are taken into consideration
in determining the size of a supple
mentary B allotment. However, the
larger A ration Is not expected to
result in reduction of any current
B grants.
Mr.. Bowles gave these examples
Of how the new setup for B drivers
will work:
A motorist now receiving supple
mentary gasoline for 200 miles OF
driving a month, and who can show
no occupational need for more, will
remain at that level.
On the other hand, a person who
uses his car in business and is ham
dicapped under present ceilings will
be able to apply for enough more
gasoline to drive up to $50 miles q
month.
The Governments announcement
did not say how much gasoline the
wars end in Europe had released
for civilians, but it was presumed
to be in excess Of 100000 barrels
daily.
Mr.. Bowles previously had said at
least that amount would be required
for so per cent increase in A ra-
tions and a limited" hike for B
drivers.