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Question 167 of 318

A commodity can be sold for two or more different prices if it is?

  • A. produced or sold by oligopoly
  • B. sold in perfect market
  • C. produce or sold by monopsony
  • D. produced or sold by monopoly

Correct Answer: D

Explanation
The correct option is D. produced or sold by monopoly. Explanation of the Correct Answer A monopoly exists when a single seller or producer dominates the market for a particular commodity or service. This market structure allows the monopolist to set prices above the marginal cost of production, leading to price discrimination. Price discrimination occurs when a seller charges different prices to different consumers for the same good or service, based on their willingness to pay. Why Monopolies Can Charge Different Prices:
  1. Market Power: A monopolist has significant control over the market because there are no close substitutes for the product. This power allows them to influence the price.
  2. Price Discrimination: Monopolists can segment the market based on various factors such as consumer income, time of purchase, or quantity purchased. For example, they might charge higher prices to consumers who are less price-sensitive (inelastic demand) and lower prices to those who are more price-sensitive (elastic demand).
  3. Consumer Segmentation: By identifying different groups of consumers and their willingness to pay, a monopolist can maximize profits by charging each group a different price. This is often seen in industries like pharmaceuticals, where the same drug can be sold at different prices in different countries or to different customer segments.
Why the Other Options Are Incorrect A. Produced or sold by oligopoly: - An oligopoly is a market structure where a few firms dominate the market. While firms in an oligopoly can engage in price discrimination, they typically do not have the same level of market power as a monopoly. Prices in an oligopoly are often influenced by the actions of other firms, leading to more stable pricing rather than the ability to set multiple prices independently. B. Sold in perfect market: - A perfect market, or perfect competition, is characterized by many buyers and sellers, homogeneous products, and free entry and exit from the market. In such a market, firms are price takers, meaning they cannot set their own prices. All firms sell at the market equilibrium price, and there is no room for price discrimination. Therefore, a commodity cannot be sold for different prices in a perfect market. C. Produced or sold by monopsony: - A monopsony is a market structure where there is only one buyer for many sellers. While a monopsonist can exert power over prices paid to suppliers, it does not relate to the ability to sell a commodity at different prices. The focus here is on the buying side of the market, not the selling side. Summary of Key Concepts
  • Monopoly: A single seller controls the market, allowing for price discrimination.
  • Price Discrimination: Charging different prices to different consumers based on their willingness to pay.
  • Oligopoly: Few firms dominate the market, but they do not have the same pricing power as a monopoly.
  • Perfect Competition: Many sellers and buyers with no price-setting power, leading to uniform pricing.
Revision Summary
  • A monopoly allows for different prices due to market power and price discrimination.
  • Oligopolies and perfect competition do not support the ability to charge multiple prices effectively.
  • Monopsony relates to buying power, not selling prices.
  • Understanding market structures is crucial for analyzing pricing strategies.
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