Question

The absolute value of the price elasticity of demand for gasoline in the long run has been estimated to be 1.5. If an extended war in the Middle East caused the price of oil (from which gasoline is made) to increase and remain high for a decade, how would that affect total expenditures on gasoline in the long run, all other things equal? (Hint: Consider the change in gasoline prices.)

Answer 1

The demand for gasoline is elastic

As a result of the extended war which raises the price of oil, the price of gasoline would rise as a result. the rise in price would lead to a greater change in the quantity demanded. In the long run, consumers would have enough time to search for suitable substitutes so total expenditures on gasoline would fall more in the long run

Step-by-step explanation:

Price elasticity of demand measures the responsiveness of quantity demanded to changes in price of the good.

Price elasticity of demand = percentage change in quantity demanded / percentage change in price

If the absolute value of price elasticity is greater than one, it means demand is elastic. Elastic demand means that quantity demanded is sensitive to price changes.