Presentation

Presentation: MSI Webinar: Price-Gouging Regulation in Response to Crisis: Causal Effects and Policy Implications

Fred Feinberg

University of Michigan

Feb 25, 2025

Price gouging regulations (PGR) help keep essential goods—like medical supplies and groceries—affordable during crises. During COVID-19, PGR was widely used to prevent extreme price hikes, but there’s little guidance on how to design these policies for the best outcomes.

 

This talk explores the effectiveness of different PGR approaches, including price caps and the role of consumer mobility. We find that PGR works well, especially when it’s targeted rather than overly broad. Additionally, it is most effective for essential goods like paper towels but less so for items directly linked to public health, like hand sanitizer. Pricing alone isn’t the full story—the data suggests it drives only about half of PGR’s impact.

 

We’ll discuss key takeaways for policymakers, including when and how to implement PGR based on local market conditions.

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