Economy
2018
Basic Economic Terms
Government Schemes

If a commodity is provided free to the public by the Government, then

A.The opportunity cost is zero.
C.The opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the tax- paying public.
B.The opportunity cost is ignored.
D.The opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the Government.

Correct Answer: Option C

Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative when a choice is made. It represents the potential benefits an individual, investor, or business misses out on when choosing one alternative over another.

When the government provides a commodity for free, it is not truly free. The resources used to provide that commodity could have been used for something else. This 'cost' is ultimately borne by the tax-paying public who fund government expenditures.

Therefore, the opportunity cost is transferred from the consumers of the product to the tax-paying public.