Which organization was responsible for controlling prices and rationing essential items during WWII?

The Office of Price Administration (OPA) was established during World War II to control prices and ration essential goods in response to the economic pressures of the war. As consumer demand soared and shortages of necessary items became prevalent, the OPA implemented price controls to prevent inflation and ensure that all Americans could access basic supplies. This organization set limits on prices for various goods and oversaw rationing programs for items such as gasoline, sugar, and meat, effectively managing the distribution and availability of resources during a time of national crisis.

The other organizations mentioned, though significant in their respective roles during the war or the broader economic framework, did not focus on price control and rationing as their primary functions. The War Production Board coordinated the production of war materials, the Federal Reserve Board managed monetary policy, and the National Labor Relations Board dealt with labor relations and rights. Thus, while they each contributed to the war effort in different ways, the OPA was specifically tasked with addressing the challenges of price inflation and resource distribution.