In the recent years, prices of basic food commodities such as corn, rice, and wheat have increased sharply. a recent article in the wall street journal states that chinese authorities are concerned that escalating prices will cause inflation and be followed by civil unrest. (source: wall street journal, february 20, 2011) if the chinese government sets a price ceiling below the equilibrium price, the result will be i. an increase in the quantity demanded. ii. a decrease in the quantity supplied. iii. a shortage.

I, II and III.

Explanation:

Price ceiling refers to the price control policy that is used by the government to protect the customers who are not able afford goods at the prevailing price.

If government of a nation sets a price ceiling below the equilibrium price level then this will increase the quantity demanded for the product because now goods become more affordable to the consumers and decreases the quantity supplied because it will become less profitable for the producers.

Hence, the demand for goods exceeds the supply of goods, this will create a shortage of goods in an economy.

a.