Analyzing gasoline prices in five Italian cities

Insights from social network analysis

Bibliographic Data

ID11458486
AuthorsAndrea Fronzetti Colladon (0000-0002-5348-9722, University of Perugia, corresponding author), Giulia Verdoliva (0009-0002-8039-2210, University of Perugia), Ludovica Segneri (0000-0001-6952-0045, University of Perugia), Andrea G Vitali (University of Rome Tor Vergata)
Year2024
Volume150
Pages105075
Publication date2024-07-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCities (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0264-2751 • E-ISSN: 1873-6084
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.cities.2024.105075
OpenAlexW4395699768
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited49

Gasoline is an essential commodity, almost as important as food and clothing. Our research delves into the factors that could influence the consumer price of gasoline using social network analysis. Different factors influence gas stations' pricing strategies, including their location and proximity to competitors. We conducted an urban network analysis, examining the network position of nearly 700 gas stations across five Italian cities. Our findings indicate that different network positions are associated with varying gasoline prices. We discovered that centrality metrics, such as betweenness and distinctiveness, are the most informative. Our study has significant implications for managers seeking to improve their consumer pricing strategy. In addition, network analysis can support urban planning decisions, thereby fostering a sustainable environment that benefits both citizens and businesses alike

Economic geography · Economics · Gasoline · Geography · Regional science · Social capital · Social network analysis · Social science · Sociology · Waste management · Consumer Market Behavior and Pricing · Engineering · Innovation Diffusion and Forecasting · Market Dynamics and Volatility

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