sentences:  These were local administrative units essentially functioning as rationing boards, designed to alleviate the chronic shortages.In addition to the hyperinflation and the fall in the value of copper, the lack of economic aid further depressed the economy.The growth in GDP went from 9% in 1971 to −1.2% in 1972, while the rate of inflation went from 22.1% the previous year to 163.4%.