discussion 4

Are Prohibitions Against Price Gouging Good or Bad?

Watch the video Stossel 2007- Price gouging (new window) (5:09). This is the link: https://criticalcommons.org/view?m=YEJFMgrrD

What happens to the prices of items like generators, fuel, plywood and ice during natural disasters?  Explain.  (Note:  supply and demand analysis is helpful here.)  Should government impose price controls?  If the controls keep the prices from rising, how will this affect the flow of these items into the disaster area?