Question

Does a price ceiling change the equilibrium price?

Short answer

A price ceiling can change the equilibrium price only if it is binding, meaning that it is set below the equilibrium price. This leads to a market shortage, with the market price becoming equal to the price ceiling. If the price ceiling is non-binding (set above the equilibrium price), it will have no effect on the market and the equilibrium price will remain unchanged.

Step-by-step solution

Define equilibrium price and price ceiling

The equilibrium price is the price at which the quantity demanded by consumers equals the quantity supplied by producers in a market. It is the point where the demand and supply curves intersect. A price ceiling is a government-imposed maximum price that can be charged for a good or service, which aims to protect consumers from high prices.

Determine the effect of a binding price ceiling

A price ceiling can have either no effect or change the equilibrium price, depending on whether it is binding or non-binding. A binding price ceiling occurs when the government sets the maximum price below the current equilibrium price, while a non-binding price ceiling occurs when the maximum price is set above the equilibrium price.

Analyze the binding price ceiling

If the price ceiling is binding (set below the equilibrium price), it will lead to a shortage in the market. This is because, at the lower price, the quantity demanded by consumers will be higher than the quantity supplied by producers. This situation creates excess demand, which cannot be met due to the imposed price ceiling. In this case, the market price becomes the price ceiling, and the equilibrium price changes.

Analyze the non-binding price ceiling

If the price ceiling is non-binding (set above the equilibrium price), it will have no effect on the market. Since the equilibrium price is lower than the price ceiling, market forces will continue to determine the price. In this situation, the equilibrium price remains unchanged.

Conclusion

A price ceiling can change the equilibrium price only if it is binding, that is, set below the equilibrium price. In this case, it will cause a market shortage, and the market price will be equal to the price ceiling. If the price ceiling is non-binding (set above the equilibrium price), it will have no effect on the market, and the equilibrium price remains unchanged.