racjonowanie

Racjonowanie (rationing) is a system for distributing scarce goods and services according to fixed allocations. It is typically organized by public authorities during shortages, emergencies, or war to ensure access to essential items. Rationed quantities are usually issued through devices such as ration cards, coupons, or quotas, and are allocated to individuals or households for a specific period.

The aim is to safeguard basic needs and prevent hoarding, panic buying, or price inflation when supply cannot meet demand. Rationing commonly covers staples such as food, fuel, medicines, and other essentials. Implementation involves setting quotas, regulating production and imports, price controls, and monitoring distribution, with penalties for violation in many systems.

Common instruments include ration cards, fixed allowances, and priority groups. Goods may be allocated by household or person, with quotas adjusted to reflect available supply. While rationing can improve equity in access, it can also create inefficiencies, encourage black markets, and impose administrative burdens.

Historically, rationing has been used across many countries during wars, occupations, and natural disasters. It was widespread in the 20th century during world wars and postwar shortages, and regional systems persisted into different periods as economies stabilized.

Policy discussions emphasize trade-offs between fairness and economic efficiency, administrative cost, and potential long-term effects on incentives. Modern crisis planning often borrows lessons from rationing while aiming to minimize market disruption and preserve civil liberties.