Economics IB Allen Perry

Gasoline prices fall at different rates in each U.S. State due to different price elasticities in various areas. Some of the states with the highest rates of falling prices have the highest availability of close substitutes due to lots of oil refineries in the area, meaning that demand for gasoline is more elastic there.

Thanks to falling oil prices, America's motorists are enjoying gasoline prices about 20 cents per gallon cheaper than this time last year. The big move has come since July, with prices down about 15% nationwide - or nearly 50 cents - to an average $3.14 a gallon, according to data from Gasbuddy.com (find your state on our map below). Naturally, this has a stimulus effect on the U.S. economy - saving us about $100 billion in annualized fuel costs, according to economist Ed Yardeni. That works out to about $300 in annual fuel savings for every American. Just in time for the holiday season.

The price for seating at sports events have always been considered inelastic, because of the need to fill up all the seats in the stadium, but as times change it seems that the prices for seats are becoming more and more elastic and are beginning to cost more per seat.

A bumper crop of grains has decreased the price for corn, soybeans and wheat. This is a good example as to how a non-price determinant of supply can effect the prices of products, which in turn cause an increase in demand. Although this may be good for the average consumer, economists need to make sure that inflation doesn't fall too low, or cause deflation. This could cause corporate profit losses, causing wages to lower, which could potentially cause the economy to go into a recession.