Assignment 3 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 21 July 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
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, QUESTION 1
i.
An economist would describe the market condition in the cartoon as an oversupply
or excess in the oil market. The cartoon illustrates this by showing oil spilling
everywhere, symbolising an excessive amount of oil that exceeds current demand.
This typically happens due to overproduction, reduced demand, or geopolitical
factors that disrupt market balance. This situation often leads to falling oil prices due
to surplus production. The image of oil taking over the room highlights the
uncontrollable nature of the surplus and the potential economic consequences such
as reduced profits for oil producers, job losses in the energy sector, and global
market instability. This typically reflects a disequilibrium in the market.
ii.
(iii) Explanation of the Adjustment Process to the New Equilibrium in the Oil
Market
When there is an oil glut (oversupply), the quantity of oil supplied exceeds the
quantity demanded at the original price level (P₁). This creates excess supply,
resulting in unsold oil inventories.
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