If supply decreases by more than demand decreases, what happens to equilibrium price?

Short Answer

Expert verified
If supply decreases more than demand decreases, the equilibrium price will increase.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Demand and Supply

The demand-supply model indicates that the price of any good adjusts to bring the quantity demanded and quantity supplied into balance. As an effect, we achieve an equilibrium price where demand equals supply.
02

Change in Demand and Supply

In the given scenario, both demand and supply have decreased. It means consumers want to buy less of the good, and producers want to sell less. But the decrease in supply is more than the decrease in demand. Hence, the overall situation is one of reduced supply being available for diminished but relatively steadier demand.
03

Understanding the effect on Equilibrium Price

When supply decreases more than demand, it creates a shortage in the market. To combat this shortage, the price of the product tends to increase. This is to balance the decreased supply with the still present demand. Therefore, the decrease in supply results in an increase in the equilibrium price. This becomes our new equilibrium point.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free