Exon Mobil is not alone among Big Oil exiting the retail gas business, a market where profits have gotten tougher as crude oil prices have risen Gas station owners say they're struggling to turn a profit because while wholesale gasoline prices have risen sharply, they've been unable to raise pump prices fast enough to keep pace.

Source Houston Chronicle, June 12, 2008

Refer to Fact 12.4.2 Exxon Mobil is making ________decision in the retail gasoline market.

This decision maximizes Exxon Mobil's economic profit if _________.

a) an exit other retail gasoline firms also leave the market

b) a shutdown price is less than average variable cost

c) an irrational the demand for gasoline decreases

d) a shutdown price in the retail gas market is less than average total cost

e) an exit price in the retail gas market is less than average total cost