To determine if there was a shift in the supply curve, demand curve, or both, we need to first understand what a shift in a curve means. In economics, a shift in either the supply curve or the demand curve indicates a change in the quantity supplied or demanded at every price.
In the case of the Arizona gas pipeline rupture in 2003, the decrease in supply caused by the rupture would result in a shift in the supply curve. With less gasoline available due to the pipeline rupture, the quantity supplied at every price would be reduced.
However, it is important to note that a pipeline rupture might not directly impact the demand curve. The demand curve represents the quantity of gasoline consumers are willing and able to purchase at various prices. Unless the rupture had a significant impact on consumer behavior, such as causing a change in preferences or incomes, the demand curve would likely remain unchanged.
To determine if the shift happened to the left or to the right, we need to consider the effects of the supply curve shift. Since the rupture caused a decrease in supply, the supply curve would shift to the left. This means that at every price level, the quantity supplied would be lower compared to the situation before the rupture.
In summary, the rupture of the Arizona gas pipeline in 2003 would result in a shift in the supply curve, with a decrease in the quantity supplied at every price. The demand curve would likely remain unchanged unless the rupture had a significant impact on consumer behavior. The shift in the supply curve would be to the left.