Modelling and simulation of spatial dynamics in Australian petrol retail pricing.

Project Level: Winter

Project Duration: 

4 weeks, 20-36 hours per week.

Description: 

It is well known that petrol prices in Australia follow a regular pattern by which prices suddenly increase every couple of weeks -
https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/petrol-and-fuel/petrol-price-cyclesin-major-cities followed by longer periods of slow decrease. In this project we would like to collect data and use mathematical modelling and model inference to identify the type of coordination between retailers which may drive the petrol price cycles. Note that this project is highly speculative and at this point – and within the time-frame of a winter project - only aimed at coming up with preliminary ideas and approaches.

Expected Outcomes:

Scholars may gain skills in data collection, data analysis, mathematical modelling, simulation and visualisation.

Suitable for:

Due to the speculative and explorative nature of the project it is open to applications from curious and self-driven students with a background in
quantitative sciences (Mathematics, Physics, etc).

Further Information:

Please contact Dr Dietmar Oelz if you would like to apply for this project.