The Office of Price Administration

The Office of Price Administration (OPA) was a U.S. government agency established during World War II to control inflation and stabilize prices and rents. It aimed to prevent shortages and ensure that both consumers and businesses could access goods at fair prices. The OPA implemented price controls, limiting how much prices could rise, and rationed essential items like food and fuel to manage demand. By doing so, the agency helped support the war effort and protect American households from the economic challenges of wartime production and supply disruptions.