Coronavirus toilet paper stockpiling frenzy ignores our long

history without the soft stuff

By Emma Nobel. Updated Sun 15 March 2020 at 12:59pm

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-15/coronavirus-toilet-paper-on-sale-covid-19-

unlikely-history/12054636

a) Sketch a diagram (no specific numbers required) showing how the demand curve for

toilet paper in Australia shifted from January of this year to March. Explain the

reasons for this change, including a basic explanation of what a demand curve

represents. [3 marks]

b) What can you say about the likely cross-price elasticity of demand for "innovative

alternatives to toilet paper"? Give two examples of such alternatives - either

historical from this article or from the modern day. [3 marks]

c) The article describes only certain groups would have purchased toilet paper

historically. Explain what this indicates about the income-elasticity of demand for

toilet paper. [2 marks]