What is a potential unintended consequence of government-imposed price controls in a free market?

A potential unintended consequence of government-imposed price controls in a free market is that they can lead to shortages of goods. When the government sets a price that is too low, it can make products more affordable for consumers, but it may also discourage producers from making enough of those products. For example, if the government caps the price of bread to keep it cheap, bakers might not find it profitable to produce bread, leading to fewer loaves being available in stores. As a result, consumers may find it hard to buy bread, even though the price is low. This shows how price controls can create problems by disrupting the natural balance of supply and demand in the market.