Árszabályozás

Árszabályozás refers to the control or regulation of prices by a government or other authority. This can take various forms, including setting maximum or minimum prices, price ceilings, price floors, or establishing price formulas. The primary goals of price regulation often include protecting consumers from excessive price increases, ensuring the affordability of essential goods and services, or supporting producers by guaranteeing a minimum income.

Different economic philosophies approach price regulation with varying perspectives. Some argue that it can distort market mechanisms, leading to shortages or surpluses, and reducing efficiency. Others contend that in certain situations, such as natural monopolies or markets with significant information asymmetry, price regulation is necessary to achieve equitable outcomes and prevent market failures.

Examples of price regulation can be found in various sectors. Rent control is a common form of price ceiling aimed at making housing more affordable. Minimum wage laws act as a price floor for labor. Utilities like electricity and water are often regulated to prevent price gouging by companies that may have monopolistic power. The effectiveness and consequences of árszabályozás are subjects of ongoing debate among economists and policymakers, with outcomes often depending on the specific market conditions and the design of the regulatory measures.