Y a ustedes ¿le sobra la plata? determinantes de los precios minoristas en el mercado de gasolina, en Lima Metropolitana

Abstract

This paper provides some empirical findings about competition and pricing in retail gasoline markets in Lima. Through the estimation of reaction curves for a sample of 84 gasoline stations located in 22 districts of the city, the paper shows the influence of supply and demand factors on gasoline prices, during the period February, 1999 - January, 2000. The main findings were the abscence of strong price competition and the presence of strong interbrand differentiation in this market. The results also show the high influence of location and technology as determinants of gasoline prices. This evidence contribute to explain the high price differentials commonly observed in these markets and the influence of horizontal differentiation on pricing policies of retailers.