In the 1980s, one of the most common sights in the socialist countries, such as the former Soviet Union and North Korea, were long lines for bread, sugar, and other necessities. These countries had price ceilings on these necessities

Question

Some of the socialist nations, such as the former Soviet Union, have moved to a market economy by lifting the price ceilings, while others, such as North Korea, have retained their price ceilings. What prediction do you make about the presence (or absence) of long lines today in the former Soviet Union and North Korea? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

The long lines have disappeared in the former Soviet Union but are still present in North Korea. The socialist countries had price ceilings on necessities that were below the equilibrium price. These ceilings created shortages, thus the long lines. In the countries that have lifted the price ceilings, the price has risen toward the equilibrium price, thereby eliminating the shortages and long lines. In the nations that have retained the price ceilings, the shortages and hence the long lines have persisted.