GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

Detailed explanation-1: -Though one of the advantages of subsidies is the greater supply of goods, a shortage of supply can also occur. This is because lowered prices can lead to a sudden rise in demand that many producers may find very hard to meet. Ultimately, it can lead to very high demand that causes an increase in prices.

Detailed explanation-2: -A subsidy will shift the supply curve to the right and therefore lower the equilibrium price in a market. The aim of the subsidy is to encourage production of the good and it has the effect of shifting the supply curve to the right (shifting it vertically downwards by the amount of the subsidy).

Detailed explanation-3: -The effect of a subsidy is to shift the supply or demand curve to the right (i.e. increases the supply or demand) by the amount of the subsidy. If a consumer is receiving the subsidy, a lower price of a good resulting from the marginal subsidy on consumption increases demand, shifting the demand curve to the right.

Detailed explanation-4: -Even if a subsidy is created with good intentions, without any conspiracy or self-seeking, it raises the profits of those receiving beneficial treatment, thus creating an incentive to lobby for its continuance, even after the need or its usefulness runs out.