Assignment:
Write a 200 to 300 word paper that interprets the following image illustrating the economic consequences of a government-set price ceiling on gasoline (discussed on pp. 65 & 66 of Essentials of Economics): (picture below also attached)
Price Ceiling Graphic
Answer the following questions in your paper:
- What is the equilibrium price for gasoline? In your own words, what does this equilibrium price tell us?
- Why is there a shortage?
- What is the government's intent in establishing the price ceiling?
- Despite the arguably negative economic consequences of price ceilings, why is it typically difficult to end them once they have been in place for a long time?