Office of Price Administration in the United States

Office of Price Administration

Introduction to Office of Price Administration

Office of Price Administration (OPA), agency of the U.S. government in World War II, created by a presidential order issued in April 1941. This agency was charged with forestalling inflation by stabilizing rents and prices and by preventing speculation, hoarding, profiteering, and price manipulation. Subsequently, the powers of the OPA were expanded by several congressional enactments to include the rationing of scarce commodities to consumers and the determination of maximum prices for goods and residential rents. The OPA was notably successful during World War II. After the conclusion of hostilities in 1945, price controls were abolished. The OPA was disbanded in 1947.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Office of Price Administration in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Office of Price Administration