📚 Learning Guide
Pricing in Natural Monopolies
medium

What is the primary reason a natural monopoly might choose to set prices below their average total costs?

Master this concept with our detailed explanation and step-by-step learning approach

Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

To maintain market share and avoid losses

B

To maximize profit margins and shareholder value

C

To comply with government regulations that mandate price increases

D

To limit consumer access to the product and create scarcity

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

A natural monopoly might choose to set prices below their average total costs primarily to encourage wider access to their services or products. By lowering prices, they can attract more customers, which helps to increase overall demand. This approach can be beneficial because, in many cases, these monopolies provide essential services, such as water or electricity, that everyone needs. For example, if a utility company lowers its prices, more households can afford to use electricity, leading to a larger customer base and potentially higher total revenue over time. Ultimately, while this strategy may not be immediately profitable, it can help secure long-term sustainability and consumer satisfaction.

Detailed Explanation

A natural monopoly sets prices low to keep customers and avoid losing money. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that lowering prices is about making more profit; It's a common idea that companies must follow rules to raise prices.

Key Concepts

Natural monopolies
Pricing strategies
Allocative efficiency
Topic

Pricing in Natural Monopolies

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Ready to Master More Topics?

Join thousands of students using Seekh's interactive learning platform to excel in their studies with personalized practice and detailed explanations.