Which of the following would make it easier to maintain an effective collusive agreement in a cartel?

An increase in the number of potential entrants into the industry.

A decrease in the elasticity of demand for the cartel's product.

An increase in the number of substitutes for the product produced by the cartel.

A new method of pricing that makes it more difficult for each firm to monitor the prices that the other firms in the cartel are charging.

A decrease in the elasticity of demand for the cartel's product.

Explanation:

The cartel is under the control of companies operating in the same area. This is undesirable. It is concluded between businesses and these contracts prevent competition. Such arrangements are also prevented by governments, which aims to promote competition among governments across the country. This type of arrangement creates unity and demonstrates business behavior in activities that prevent other competitors from entering the sector.

Adverse effects on consumers include:

1) Higher prices - cartel members can raise prices, which reduces the demand elasticity of any member.

2) Lack of Transparency - Members may agree to hide prices or hide information such as hidden charges in credit card transactions.

3) Limited production - Members may agree to limit market production, such as OPEC and oil quotas.

4) Build Market - Cartel members can collectively divide a market into regions or regions and not compete in each other's territory.