The oil crisis of 1973, which resulted in the quadrupling of the oil price, was a consequence of the Yom Kippur War between Israel and various Arab states, which caused the Arab OPEC nations to impose embargoes on the export of oil to Western economies as punishment for their support of Israel.
This ration book for an 1000cc vehicle, was issued by the UK Government, and contains petrol vouchers for six months.
This extract from the website www.racfoundation.org gives further details of the effect of the oil crisis on the motorist.
"From the
very beginning of the crisis, motorists were asked to economize in the use of
fuel. Peter Walker, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and cabinet minister
responsible for the energy sector, asked on 24 October 1973 that “motorists should
endeavour to cut down on petrol consumption and to use public transport to a greater
extent where that is available.” By 19 November, the government introduced a
10% reduction in all oil supplies and appealed for voluntary avoidance of
driving at weekends and a voluntary reduction in maximum speeds to 50 miles per
hour (mph).
Significant
shortages at the pumps and long queues were the immediate face of the oil
crisis and there was soon a clamour for petrol rationing. Ration books were distributed
to all motorists with effect from 29 November 1973.
Petrol
rationing had been imposed during the Suez crisis of 1956 and, as shortages persisted,
there was considerable pressure for rationing to be introduced on this occasion.
However, this was resisted as an immediate measure by both Conservative and
Labour ministers and by the end of March 1974 the short term threat of
rationing had been effectively lifted as the supply situation eased. But government
then considered a further rationing proposal called two tier petrol pricing.
It was
planned that motorists would receive a small basic allowance of petrol at one price
with further purchases being at a significantly higher price. This proposal was
the subject of intense speculation at the beginning of 1975 but was eventually rejected
on grounds of administrative complexity and the cost impact on motorists.
Motorists
were however encouraged to retain their ration books in case of deterioration
in the supply situation and a change of heart by government. The threat of
rationing finally disappeared in July 1975 when motorists were told they could destroy
the ration books. Speed limits
were also a continuing focus of attention. The voluntary limit of 50 mph was
made statutory in December and stayed in place until the end of March 1974, when
it was lifted to 70 mph for motorways. The limit was subsequently increased for
other roads in May but this proved only temporary as limits were reduced again
in December as part of a package of energy saving measures. The new limits were
70 mph on motorways, 60 mph on dual carriageways and 50 mph on single
carriageway roads. The limits were revised again in 1977 to the present
structure. The government also decided in December 1974 to undertake a thorough
review of all the medical and economic implications of any further reductions
in the lead content of petrol.
There were
measures to reduce energy use in other areas. At the most extreme, for a brief
period British industry was working a three day week. The energy conservation
package introduced in December also included restrictions on the use of
electricity for advertising and on the heating of public buildings. But even so
it is clear that the motorist was a particular target for reductions in energy
use."
