The Nature of Competition in Gasoline Distribution at the Retail Level: A Study of the Los Angeles Market Area

The Nature of Competition in Gasoline Distribution at the Retail Level presents a detailed and methodologically innovative study of competitive behavior in the retail gasoline industry, with a specific focus on the Los Angeles market area. This work blends microeconomic analysis with practical business insights to uncover the intricate dynamics of competition among gasoline retailers. By narrowing the scope to the retail level and concentrating on one geographic area, the authors deploy a "high-powered microscope" to examine the economic, psychological, and legal dimensions of competitive activity. The study’s emphasis on both "normal" and "abnormal" market behaviors—such as price skirmishes and the influence of aggressive price cutters—sheds light on the evolving challenges and strategies in the retail gasoline market.

This book is not merely a descriptive account but a sophisticated methodological exploration, rooted in interdisciplinary research and extensive fieldwork. Drawing on government data, industry reports, and hundreds of interviews with stakeholders, the authors weave theoretical economic analysis with real-world observations. By addressing the characteristics of gasoline as a product, the roles of various competitors, and the legal frameworks shaping the industry, The Nature of Competition in Gasoline Distribution at the Retail Level provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the interplay of market forces. Ideal for economists, policymakers, and industry professionals, this study offers valuable insights into the mechanics of economic rivalry and its implications for broader market dynamics.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1951.