Use the Information Below to Answer the Following Questions

question 68

Multiple Choice

Use the information below to answer the following questions.
Fact 12.4.2 Exxon Mobil Selling All Its Retail Gas Stations
Exxon Mobil is not alone among Big Oil exiting the retail gas business, a market where profits have gotten tougher as crude oil prices have risen. Gas station owners say they're struggling to turn a profit because while wholesale gasoline prices have risen sharply, they've been unable to raise pump prices fast enough to keep pace.
Source: Houston Chronicle, June 12, 2008
-Refer to Fact 12.4.2. Exxon Mobil's decision will ________ economic profit of other gasoline retailers, everything else remaining the same.

• A)increase
• B)decrease
• C)not change
• D)increase or not change
• E)decrease or not change

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Definitions:

Reduce Health Care Costs

Initiatives or policies aimed at lowering the expenses associated with medical care.

Elective Surgical Procedure

A type of surgery that is planned in advance, not arising from an emergency situation, and is subject to the patient's choice.

Equilibrium Price

The price at which the quantity of a good demanded equals the quantity supplied, leading to a stable market condition.

Federal Tax Policy

The set of laws and regulations established by the federal government to determine the amount of tax to be levied on individuals, corporations, and other entities.