Question

The language of price controls

Suppose that, in a competitive market without government regulations, the equilibrium price of gasoline is $3.00 per gallon. Complete the following table by indicating whether each of the statements is an example of a price ceiling or a price floor and whether it is binding or nonbinding.

Statement

Statement Price Control Binding or Not

The government prohibits gas stations from selling gasoline for more than $3.40 per gallon.
Due to new regulations, gas stations that would like to pay better wages in order to hire more workers are prohibited from doing so.
The government has instituted a legal minimum price of $3.40 per gallon for gasoline.

Answer 1

1) The government prohibits gas stations from selling gasoline for more than $3.40 per gallon.

This statement is an example of price ceiling as the gas stations cannot raise their price above $3.40 but can sell it at any price lower than the ceiling price of $3.40. This is binding

2) Due to new regulations, gas stations that would like to pay better wages in order to hire more workers are prohibited from doing so. This is neither a price ceiling or floor as government isn't directly affecting the price with their policy

3) The government has instituted a legal minimum price of $3.40 per gallon for gasoline. This is an example of price floor and is binding. The reason it is a price floor is because the petrol stations cannot charge a price below $3.40 but can charge any price above the floor price of $3.40

Step-by-step explanation: