 As in all occupied countries in Europe , food , fuel and clothing were strictly rationed by the German authorities . Even with the stringent rationing , the food and materials which civilians should officially have been entitled to were not always available . A significant black market also existed in the country , supplying food illegally at very high prices to those that could afford it . Information and the press were strictly controlled by the German government and news was greatly restricted . Nevertheless , the sales of collaborationist newspapers like Le Soir and the newspapers of pro @-@ collaborationist political parties like Le Pays Réel remained high . A large number of underground newspapers were also published and distributed – the underground paper La Libre Belgique achieved a circulation of 30 @,@ 000 . 
