Suppose (the numbers are loosely based on reality) that the tax on petrol is raised from 40 cents per litre to 60 cents per litre. The before-tax total cost of retailing petrol is $1.20 per litre. Assume that 100% of the tax is always passed through to consumers. After the increase in taxes, the quantity of petrol sold falls from 3,000,000 litres a day to 2,800,000 litres a day. Calculate the price elasticity of demand for petrol using the mid-point formula, based on the change in price due to the tax. Use three decimal places in your calculations. What are the implications for policymakers who want to raise revenue, when considering raising taxes on petrol?

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
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Suppose (the numbers are loosely based on reality) that the tax on petrol is raised from 40 cents per litre to 60 cents per litre. The before-tax total cost of retailing petrol is $1.20 per litre. Assume that 100% of the tax is always passed through to consumers. After the increase in taxes, the quantity of petrol sold falls from 3,000,000 litres a day to 2,800,000 litres a day.

Calculate the price elasticity of demand for petrol using the mid-point formula, based on the change in price due to the tax. Use three decimal places in your calculations. What are the implications for policymakers who want to raise revenue, when considering raising taxes on petrol?

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