An investigation into the effects of location and government regulation on the petrol sales of retail service stations in South Africa

Miller, David Niven John

An investigation into the effects of location and government regulation on the petrol sales of retail service stations in South Africa

Master Thesis

1979

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

School of Economics

Faculty

Faculty of Commerce

Abstract

The object of this thesis is to develop an economic framework in which to analyse the effects of regulation and location on retail service station petrol sales. The political leaders of most countries in the world today will attempt to ensure the stable, independent and secure growth of their economies. Oil, whether being produced or consumed, will have an undoubted effect on their strategies. This is particularly true of South Africa, which imports all its crude oil from an ostensibly hostile world. Powerful government controls regulate all aspects of the oil industry, right through to final consumption. Retail service stations, the subject of this thesis, are no exception. They are affected by government propagated barriers to entry, price controls, restrictions on selling hours and restrictions on location, inter alia ... all in an avowedly free enterprise economy. Additional important factors help to shape the service stations as a unique economic entity. Their customers, according to one writer, buy petrol as a rent to use their cars. It is an 'inconvenience' good. Consequently, locational convenience takes on a special importance.

Description

Bibliography: p. xi-xvii.

Keywords

Economics

Reference:

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