British Mandate: A Survey of Palestine: Volume II - Page 1036

CHAPTER XXVI.

sale and purchase of benzine except against coupons. In November, 1944, a Controller of Fuel Oil Supplies was appointed to be a Competent Authority for the purposes of Defence Regulation 46, thereby empowering him to make such orders in regard to fuel oil as appeared necessary in the interests of defence, or the efficient prosecution of the war, or for maintaining supplies and services essential to the life of the community.

153. In October, 1945, the supply of vehicle spare parts and tyres improved sufficiently to permit of the lifting of the benzine rationing which had been imposed on all types of vehicles in April, 1942. Since that time control over the running (of vehicles has been exercised solely by the Controller of Road Transport by means of the licensing of vehicles and the issue of tyres.

154. Maximum prices of benzine and kerosene were prescribed in October, 1940, by the Defence (Benzine and Kerosene) (Maximum Prices) Order, 1944*. These prices, which vary according to localities of sale, were fixed in agreement with the oil companies. Agreement as to prices was also reached at the same time with the companies dealing in black oils, i.e., diesel and furnace oils. The maximum prices imposed by the Order still remain in force.

155. Paraffin wax was originally controlled by the Department of Light Industries, but in view of the fact that import and export licences were issued by the Controller of Fuel Oil Supplies, it was deemed advisable in November, 1944, to vest the complete control of this commodity in the latter. The Defence (Control of Paraffin Wax) Order** was enacted in December, 1944; this requires all persons dealing in paraffin wax to be in possession of a licence and to maintain registers and prohibits disposal by way of sale save under permit granted by the Controller.

156. The import and export of all black oils, benzine, kerosene and paraffin wax are subject to licences granted by or on behalf of the Controller of Fuel Oil Supplies.
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* Laws of 1944, Vol. III, page 1216 .
** Laws of 1944-, Vol. Ill, page 1874.

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