It Is Often Argued That Gas Stations Operate Inefficiently Because

Essay

It is often argued that gas stations operate inefficiently because they have "excess capacity" in the form of more pumping stations than they would otherwise need if they were operating under conditions of perfect competition. However, can you think of any reason why a gas station franchise owner would wish to install more pumps than he knows will rarely if ever be fully utilized at any one time? Can you explain the economic logic of this "apparent" wastefulness?