Question

The Case:
Pakistan cement industry has shown very fast progress in last few years and has
become a leading sector of the economy. At the time of inception, there were only
four cement plants in Pakistan which has now grown to over 30 units. Cement
manufacturers have also expanded their production capacity to meet higher demand
because of construction projects and CPEC. Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited is
a reputable largest manufacturer of cement in Pakistan. The company was set up in
1956. Suppose the quantity demanded and quantity supplied functions of cement
industry in starting week of current month are:
Qd = 5000-6P
Qs= 1500+P

Requirements:
a. Calculate the market equilibrium level of price and quantity.
b. Calculate price elasticity of demand using point elasticity method when the
company is in equilibrium and interpret the result.
c. What will happen to supply of cement, equilibrium price and equilibrium
quantity of cement if government gives subsidy to cement manufacturers?

Answer 1

a. The market equilibrium level of price and quantity are:

Qd = Qs,

5000 - 6P = 1500 + P,

7P = 3500,

P = 500,

Q = 1500 + 500 = 2000 units.

b. Price elasticity of demand using point elasticity method is:

Ed = -6×500/2000 = -1.5, so the demand is elastic.

c. If government gives subsidy to cement manufacturers, then supply of cement will increase, equilibrium price will decrease, and equilibrium

quantity of cement will increase.