WELFARE EFFECTS OF PRICE-DISCRIMINATION BY A REGULATED MONOPOLIST

成果类型:
Article
署名作者:
ARMSTRONG, M; VICKERS, J
刊物名称:
RAND JOURNAL OF ECONOMICS
ISSN/ISSBN:
0741-6261
DOI:
10.2307/2600990
发表日期:
1991
页码:
571-580
关键词:
摘要:
Should a multiproduct monopolist whose average price is capped by regulation be allowed to engage in (third-degree) price discrimination? If the cap applies to a price index with weights proportional to demands at uniform prices, then price discrimination benefits consumers as well as the firm. But if-perhaps more realistically-it is the firm's average revenue that is capped, then consumers prefer uniform pricing. In this case total output is higher when discrimination is allowed, which increases welfare, but marginal utilities differ across markets, which is inefficient, and the overall effect is ambiguous. A small amount of discrimination is desirable, however. It is better not to allow price discrimination if the price cap is close to the level of marginal cost. The consequences of tightening the price cap when discrimination is allowed are also examined.
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