In: Economics
Current average gasoline prices in the U.S. are about $2.26/gallon. A year ago, they were about $2.69/gallon. This represents a price decrease over the last year of about 17%. If the own price elasticity of gasoline is -0.2%, by what percentage would you expect the quantity demanded to change over this period?
Answer - Elasticity of demand = % change in quantity demanded / % change in price
% change in price = 17% (fall)
Elasticity = -0.2
% change in quantity = 17 * 0.2
= 3.4 %
Hence , as a result of fall in price of gasoline , the demand will rise by about 3.4%.