Group 1 - The article discusses the phenomenon of price competition and overcapacity in various industries, using oil, water, and milk as case studies [5] - The first case study focuses on the oil crisis of the 1970s, highlighting how low oil prices prior to the crisis led to a significant change in consumer behavior and the automotive industry in the U.S. [6][10] - It explains that the low oil prices were not solely due to exploitation by capitalist countries but were also driven by the need to expand market size and create consumer habits [9] Group 2 - The second case study examines the pricing strategies in Japan's retail sector, particularly the phenomenon where 2L bottled water is cheaper than 550ml, illustrating competitive pricing and consumer sensitivity [11][13] - It notes that this pricing strategy is a result of long-term deflation and competitive pressure, leading to a situation where retailers use lower-priced larger bottles to attract customers [12][14] Group 3 - The final case study addresses the "milk dumping" incidents during the Great Depression in the U.S., where milk was discarded instead of being distributed to those in need [16][21] - It outlines the complexities behind this phenomenon, including actions taken by farmers, industry associations, and government interventions aimed at stabilizing milk prices [17][19]

Group 1: Oil Price Dynamics - The article discusses the historical context of low oil prices before the 1970s, highlighting that the average retail price of gasoline in the US was about 36 cents per gallon in 1970, which is equivalent to approximately $2.5 today when adjusted for inflation [2] - The low oil prices prior to the 1970s were attributed to the initial use of oil primarily for lighting and the discovery of easily extractable oil reserves in the Middle East, which contributed to a significant expansion of the petrochemical industry [3][5] - The article argues against the notion that capitalist countries intentionally suppressed oil prices to exploit oil-producing nations, suggesting instead that low prices were a strategy to expand market size and create consumer habits [6][8] Group 2: Price Competition in Japan - The article highlights the phenomenon of price competition in Japan from 2000 to 2020, where a discount store maintained prices at 100 yen for most products, reflecting a long-term deflationary environment [11][12] - It discusses the pricing strategy of bottled water in Japan, where a 2L bottle is often cheaper than a 550ml bottle due to competitive pricing tactics employed by convenience stores to attract customers [14][15] - The pricing dynamics illustrate how retailers use loss leaders and competitive pricing strategies to maintain customer traffic and increase overall sales, despite the apparent price distortion [17][18] Group 3: Historical Context of Milk Disposal - The article recounts the "milk dumping" events during the Great Depression in the US, where farmers disposed of milk due to plummeting demand and prices, leading to a complex interplay of market forces and protests [19][21] - It explains that the milk dumping was not solely due to market conditions but also involved organized actions by farmers and industry associations to raise prices through reduced supply [22][23] - The US government intervened during this period by implementing policies to stabilize milk prices, including the Agricultural Adjustment Act, which aimed to reduce production and increase prices [24][25][26]