The management of the Esquire Oil Company believes that the wholesale price of heating oil that they sell to homeowners will increase again as the result of increased political problems in the Middle East. The company is currently paying $0.80 a gallon. If they are willing to enter an agreement in November 2018 to purchase a million gallons of heating oil during the winter of 2019, their supplier will guarantee the price at $0.80 per gallon. However, if the winter is a mild one, Esquire would not be able to sell a million gallons unless they reduced their retail price and thereby increase the risk of a loss for the year. On the other hand, if the wholesale price did increase substantially, they would be in a favorable position with respect to their competitors. The company's fiscal yearend is December 31.
Required:
Discuss the accounting issues related to the purchase commitment that Esquire is considering.