Duopoly and Characteristics of Duopoly

Duopoly

Duopoly is a special case of the theory of oligopoly in which there are only two sellers. Both the sellers are completely independent and no agreement exists between them. Even though they are independent, a change in the price and output of one will affect the other, and may set a chain of reactions. A seller may, however, assume that his rival is unaffected by what he does, in that case he takes only his own direct influence on the price.

Characteristics of Duopoly

1.        Each seller is fully aware of his rival’s motive and actions.

2.        Both sellers may collude (they agree on all matters regarding the sale of the commodity).

3.        They may enter into cut-throat competition.

4.        There is no product differentiation.

5.        They fix the price for their product with a view to maximising their profit.