Which scenario is least likely to occur in a market economy? a) the government pays farmers to stop planting certain crops for a period of time. b) the government stops a factory from producing imitations of an expensive type of purse. c) the government offers tax breaks to companies that meet efficiency goals in their products. d) the government allows only two competitors to offer goods for sale on the country's highways.

The correct answer is - D) The government allows only two competitors to offer goods for sale on the country's highways.

By allowing only two competitors to offer goods on the highways of the country would mean a situation where an oligopoly will be allowed and developed in certain sector.

Allowing an oligopoly situation on the scene is against the principles of the market economy, as it reduces competition, increases price manipulation, and there's no motivation for the companies to provide better services and constantly advance. So a situation like that is the least likely to be allowed in a market economy to happen.