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A Fallacy in the ANWR Drilling Debate: A Lesson on Scarcity Rents and Intertemporal Pricing under Different Market Structures

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  • Coats R. Morris

    (Nicholls State University)

  • Pecquet Gary

    (Central Michigan University)

  • Sanders Shane D.

    (Nicholls State University)

Abstract

It is common knowledge that oil discovered today, or that is newly allowed to be developed, has no effect on prices until reaching the market. However, economic theory does not support common knowledge on this issue. By lowering the value of holding oil for future sale, a future oil supply increase makes it more profitable for firms to produce and sell oil presently. Under three distinct market structures, we use a two-period model to show students that the resulting increase in present supply decreases the present price of oil. Production decisions in the absence of scarcity rents are also discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Coats R. Morris & Pecquet Gary & Sanders Shane D., 2010. "A Fallacy in the ANWR Drilling Debate: A Lesson on Scarcity Rents and Intertemporal Pricing under Different Market Structures," Journal of Industrial Organization Education, De Gruyter, vol. 4(1), pages 1-12, January.
  • Handle: RePEc:bpj:jioedu:v:4:y:2010:i:1:n:2
    DOI: 10.2202/1935-5041.1029
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Partha Dasgupta & Geoffrey Heal, 1974. "The Optimal Depletion of Exhaustible Resources," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 41(5), pages 3-28.
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