These ration cards were issued by the British Military Administration after the end of World War II. They were used to purchase rice, flour, sugar and salt from licensed retailers and wholesalers at controlled prices. Nevertheless, shortages persisted. By 1947, the weekly rice ration had fallen to 1.5 kati (750 grams) per person. People resorted to eating tapioca and joined long queues for staples such as bread and tinned milk, while the government set up People’s Restaurants to provide meals at low prices.
