On a humorous note, whenever "sugar rationing" is mentioned I am reminded of a story my Father-in-Law was fond of recounting...
During WWII he was well passed draft age and was employed as an insurance agent. One day, while sitting at kitchen table awaiting an insurance premium payment from a lady (in those days, many of the insurance policies written were paid for either weekly or monthly and the agent personally collected the payments), he noticed that her pantry door was opened and that there were DOZENS of 5 pound sacks of sugar on the shelves.
After the lady made her premium payment, he asked what she was going to do with all that sugar. She replied that, she didn't really know but she wanted to buy up a supply BEFORE THE HOARDERS DID!
Just an anecdote regarding WWII rationing. I'm certain there are numerous similar examples of just how well it worked! I know I have heard many (now humerous) tales of how the rationing system was "gamed"!!!