The Economics of Price Zones and Territorial Restrictions in Gasoline Marketing

FTC Bureau of Economics Working Paper No. 271

39 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2004

See all articles by Jeffrey H. Fischer

Jeffrey H. Fischer

U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

David W. Meyer

U.S. Federal Trade Commission - Bureau of Economics

Date Written: March 2004

Abstract

We review explanations for two controversial vertical restraints commonly used in gasoline marketing: price zones and territorial restrictions. After a discussion of the relevant empirical and theoretical economics literature, we consider procompetitive and anticompetitive theories behind the practices. Price zones may be one part of a complicated relationship between gasoline marketers and retailers that facilitates efficient risk-sharing, provides optimal incentives for marketers and retailers, and allows marketers to react more quickly to changes in localized retail competition. Alternatively, if gasoline marketers have substantial market power, price zones may facilitate coordination or help deter entry. Territorial restrictions may prevent inefficiencies in distribution and reduce free-riding on investments marketers make in developing networks of retail stations. At the same time, territorial restrictions help marketers maintain price zones (with the same welfare implications), and may, if marketers have substantial market power, facilitate coordination.

Keywords: Gasoline, vertical restraints, zone pricing

JEL Classification: K21, L42, L81

Suggested Citation

Fischer, Jeffrey H. and Meyer, David W., The Economics of Price Zones and Territorial Restrictions in Gasoline Marketing (March 2004). FTC Bureau of Economics Working Paper No. 271, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=532443 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.532443

Jeffrey H. Fischer (Contact Author)

U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ( email )

600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20580
United States
202-326-2656 (Phone)
202-326-2625 (Fax)

David W. Meyer

U.S. Federal Trade Commission - Bureau of Economics ( email )

600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20580
United States