With many commodity items (gasoline, groceries, etc.) the retailer has to price the product at "replacement cost," i.e. I need to sell this gas for $2.50 a gallon because that's what it's going to cost me to resupply.
It might seem like it works against the consumer when prices are rising, but it works in our favor when prices come back down. When the replacement cost is falling, the retailer is selling his "in-ground" gasoline for less than he paid for it.
It all evens out in the end.
P.S. If you want a good example of "managed pricing" look what it's done to Venezuela.
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