Significant Price Differences Research Articles

The effects of fuel subsidies on regional income distribution through smuggling

AbstractFuel subsidies, intended to improve consumer affordability, can result in economic distortions through altered relative prices and negative environmental impacts. Furthermore, these subsidies can lead to unintended consequences, such as fuel smuggling, especially to neighboring countries where significant price differences exist. While previous research has extensively explored the economic dimensions of fuel subsidies, the potential interplay between fuel smuggling and its impact on regional income distribution remains understudied. This study investigates the effects of fuel smuggling, stemming from Iran's long history of significant fuel subsidies, on income distribution across all 30 provinces of the country. We employ a model to specify the demand for fuel smuggling, using fuel prices in neighboring countries and the distance to the nearest border as sources of identification. Subsequently, we estimate the monthly smuggling profit across regions and assess this profit's influence on regional income distribution. Our empirical analysis draws on monthly data on gasoline and diesel sales from 160 fuel distribution districts in Iran, spanning the period from 2005 to 2014. Our findings demonstrate specific cases of smuggling activities that account for an average of 25% of total fuel consumption and generate substantial income in economically disadvantaged border provinces. We discuss the socioeconomic implications of fuel subsidies, with a focus on smuggling activities.

The effects of fuel subsidies on regional income distribution through smuggling

AbstractFuel subsidies, intended to improve consumer affordability, can result in economic distortions through altered relative prices and negative environmental impacts. Furthermore, these subsidies can lead to unintended consequences, such as fuel smuggling, especially to neighboring countries where significant price differences exist. While previous research has extensively explored the economic dimensions of fuel subsidies, the potential interplay between fuel smuggling and its impact on regional income distribution remains understudied. This study investigates the effects of fuel smuggling, stemming from Iran's long history of significant fuel subsidies, on income distribution across all 30 provinces of the country. We employ a model to specify the demand for fuel smuggling, using fuel prices in neighboring countries and the distance to the nearest border as sources of identification. Subsequently, we estimate the monthly smuggling profit across regions and assess this profit's influence on regional income distribution. Our empirical analysis draws on monthly data on gasoline and diesel sales from 160 fuel distribution districts in Iran, spanning the period from 2005 to 2014. Our findings demonstrate specific cases of smuggling activities that account for an average of 25% of total fuel consumption and generate substantial income in economically disadvantaged border provinces. We discuss the socioeconomic implications of fuel subsidies, with a focus on smuggling activities.

Share Price Impact Of Pt XL Axiata Tbk and PT Link Net Tbk Before and After The Acquisition

The purpose of this study is to be able to analyze the impact of PT XL Axiata's stock price before and after the Link Net acquisition to help readers understand the direct impact of the acquisition on the company's stock price. The research sample is the stock price before and after the acquisition of PT XL Axiata and PT Link Net from January 1, 2021 to May 1, 2023. Data collection in this study is secondary data. There is a significant difference between PT XL Axiata and PT Link Net and stock prices can affect market sentiment. PT LINK Net shows a significant difference in share price before and after the acquisition of XL Axiata. Keyword: Impact, Acquisition, Stock Price, Company Performance

Characterizing Edible Oils by Oblique-Incidence Reflectivity Difference Combined with Machine Learning Algorithms.

Due to the significant price differences among different types of edible oils, expensive oils like olive oil are often blended with cheaper edible oils. This practice of adulteration in edible oils, aimed at increasing profits for producers, poses a major concern for consumers. Furthermore, adulteration in edible oils can lead to various health issues impacting consumer well-being. In order to meet the requirements of fast, non-destructive, universal, accurate, and reliable quality testing for edible oil, the oblique-incidence reflectivity difference (OIRD) method combined with machine learning algorithms was introduced to detect a variety of edible oils. The prediction accuracy of Gradient Boosting, K-Nearest Neighbor, and Random Forest models all exceeded 95%. Moreover, the contribution rates of the OIRD signal, DC signal, and fundamental frequency signal to the classification results were 45.7%, 34.1%, and 20.2%, respectively. In a quality evaluation experiment on olive oil, the feature importance scores of three signals reached 63.4%, 18.9%, and 17.6%. The results suggested that the feature importance score of the OIRD signal was significantly higher than that of the DC and fundamental frequency signals. The experimental results indicate that the OIRD method can serve as a powerful tool for detecting edible oils.

Maize Kernel Quality Detection Based on Improved Lightweight YOLOv7

As an important cereal crop, maize is a versatile and multi-purpose crop, primarily used as a feed globally, but also is important as a food crop, and has other uses such as oil and industrial raw materials. Quality detection is an indispensable part of functional and usage classification, avoiding significant waste as well as increasing the added value of the product. The research on algorithms for real-time, accurate, and non-destructive identification and localization of corn kernels based on quality classification and equipped with non-destructive algorithms suitable for embedding in intelligent agricultural machinery systems is a key step in improving the effective utilization rate of maize kernels. The difference in maize kernel quality leads to significant differences in price and economic benefits. This algorithm reduced unnecessary waste caused by the low efficiency and accuracy of manual and mechanical detection. Image datasets of four kinds of maize kernel quality were established and each image contains a total of about 20 kernels of different quality randomly distributed. Based on the self-built dataset, the YOLOv7-tiny, as the backbone network, was used to design a maize kernel detection and recognition model named “YOLOv7-MEF”. Firstly, the backbone feature layer of the algorithm was replaced by MobileNetV3 as the feature extraction backbone network. Secondly, ESE-Net was used to enhance feature extraction and obtain better generalization performance. Finally, the loss function was optimized and replaced with the Focal-EOIU loss function. The experiment showed that the improved algorithm achieved an accuracy of 98.94%, a recall of 96.42%, and a Frame Per Second (FPS) of 76.92 with a model size of 9.1 M. This algorithm greatly reduced the size of the model while ensuring high detection accuracy and has good real-time performance. It was suitable for deploying embedded track detection systems in agricultural machinery equipment, providing a powerful theoretical research method for efficient detection of corn kernel quality.

Quality Evaluation, health risk Assessment, and geographic origin tracing of Ophiocordyceps sinensis through mineral element analysis

Ophiocordyceps sinensis (OS) is a unique and precious medicinal fungus endemic to the Tibetan Plateau, growing underground for the majority of its lifecycle. The mineral composition of OS is a distinctive feature, yet there is currently a lack of comprehensive mineral profiles. The concerns regarding excessive heavy metals and associated health risks significantly impact the development of the OS industry. Furthermore, OS samples from various production areas exhibit distinct qualities, resulting in significant price differences. Mineral profiles hold great potential for origin tracing. Consequently, there is an urgent need for quality evaluation, health risk assessment, and geographic origin tracing of OS by mineral element analysis. Here, 96 OS samples were collected from the representative producing areas in China to investigate their mineral profiles by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Potassium (K) was found to be the most abundant mineral in the OS samples, with a mean content of 10.73 g/kg. High levels of phosphor (P), sulfur (S) and magnesium (Mg) were also detected with concentrations exceeding 1 g/kg. The mean concentrations of total arsenic in all OS samples were determined to be 8.33 mg/kg. The OS from Nagqu exhibited a relatively high quality with lower levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic. Health risk assessment based on the total target hazard quotient (THQ) value of heavy metals of Zn, Mn, Fe, copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), Pb and Cd indicated that consumption of OS from China did not pose an obvious risk to human health at the ingestion rate declared by the Chinese Pharmacopeia. Finally, three orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) models were constructed using 75 samples to trace the geographic origins. These models successfully authenticated OS samples from six producing areas and confirmed by 21 blind test samples with 90.48 % accuracy. These results affirmed that OS from different regions possessed distinct metal profiles, which could be utilized to authenticate the geographic origins of O. sinensis.

Earthquake Bond Pricing Model Involving the Inconstant Event Intensity and Maximum Strength

Traditional insurance’s earthquake contingency costs are insufficient for earthquake funding due to extreme differences from actual losses. The earthquake bond (EB) links insurance to capital market bonds, enabling higher and more sustainable earthquake funding, but challenges persist in pricing EBs. This paper presents zero-coupon and coupon-paying EB pricing models involving the inconstant event intensity and maximum strength of extreme earthquakes under the risk-neutral pricing measure. Focusing on extreme earthquakes simplifies the modeling and data processing time compared to considering infinite earthquake frequency occurring over a continuous time interval. The intensity is accommodated using the inhomogeneous Poisson process, while the maximum strength is modeled using extreme value theory (EVT). Furthermore, we conducted model experiments and variable sensitivity analyses on EB prices using earthquake data from Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority from 2008 to 2021. The sensitivity analysis results show that choosing inconstant intensity rather than a constant one implies significant EB price differences, and the maximum strength distribution based on EVT matches the data distribution. The presented model and its experiments can guide EB issuers in setting EB prices. Then, the variable sensitivities to EB prices can be used by investors to choose EB according to their risk tolerance.

Physician Perspectives on the Nonclinical Factors That Contribute to Decision-Making for Advanced Prostate Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study

Introduction: Promising new treatments exist for advanced prostate cancer. Decision-making is complicated: there are minimal comparative effectiveness data; differing routes of administration, drug mechanisms of action, and side effects; and significant price differences. These challenges contribute to variations in care and quality, treatment disparities, and lack of concordance with patient values. The aim of this study was to examine physician perspectives of factors influencing decision-making for first-line advanced prostate cancer treatments. Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study of physicians who treat patients with advanced prostate cancer from September 2021 to June 2022. Participants were purposively sampled from across the United States. Results: Twenty-seven physicians participated. We identified 17 domains and three overarching themes affecting physician decision-making for advanced prostate cancer care. The themes were as follows: (1) physician and practice factors affect prescribing decisions, (2) health practice resource availability affects the likelihood that patients will receive the recommended treatment and that the treatment will be in-line with patients' values, and (3) patient nonclinical factors influence physician decision-making, but patient values could be better incorporated into prescribing decisions. Based on the analyses, we constructed a preliminary framework of clinician decision-making for advanced prostate cancer. Conclusions: Physicians perceive that nonclinical patient, physician, and practice factors affect decision-making. These factors, therefore, must be considered when implementing programs to optimize a physician's ability to provide quality cancer care, reduce health care disparities and patient financial burden, and provide patient goal concordant care. The preliminary theoretical model of clinician decision-making for advanced prostate cancer care may also be used to inform these efforts.

Operation of Water Supply Systems in the Czech Republic—Risk Analysis

A reliable supply of quality drinking water is a fundamental prerequisite for a healthy society and its economic development. Public ownership of water infrastructure is prevalent in most European countries. In the Czech Republic, however, water infrastructure is highly fragmented, which entails multiple risks. The fragmentation of the sector leads to a low economic efficiency of operations, the unstable quality of service provision, and significant price differences. The aim of the paper is to use the IFE matrix to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of different ways of operating water supply systems in the Czech Republic. Furthermore, through the FMEA method (failure mode and effects analysis), this paper tries to identify the risks and threats to drinking water supplies for selected operators (representing the most frequently used operating models) and, subsequently, it proposes measures to mitigate the identified risks. The topic was addressed in the form of a case study of selected water system operators in the Czech Republic, and the findings indicate the compartmentalized model to be the most appropriate operating model.

Makelar dalam Transaksi Ekonomi (Analisis Fatwa DSN MUI No. 151/DSN-MUI/VI/2022 Tentang Akad Samsarah)

Brokers in economic transactions are common jobs undertaken by society. However, in practice, brokers often pose problems, especially for consumers or buyers. It is not uncommon for buyers to find that the price set during the transaction is not the price set by the owner of the goods, but rather a price added by the broker. The significant price difference from the original price becomes a separate problem for the community.
 This article aims to explain the practice of brokers in Islam by analyzing the Fatwa DSN MUI NO. 151/DSN-MUI/VI/2022 on Samsarah Contracts. The focus of this article is: What is the nature of brokers in Islam? How does the Fatwa DSN MUI No. 151/DSN-MUI/VI/2022 on Samsarah Contracts play a role in ensuring the legality of broker practices in Indonesia?
 In this article, researchers use a research library approach. Primary data sources include literature on brokers in Islam. In Islam, brokerage is considered an allowed practice; a broker aims to provide assistance to both the buyer and the owner of the goods to be sold. Meanwhile, the role of Fatwa DSN MUI NO. 151/DSN-MUI/VI/2022 has outlined the technical implementation of broker services and provided arguments in accordance with Islamic Sharia teachings.

Study on the Spatial Correlation Characteristics of Residential Land Prices in Counties of the Urban Agglomeration in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River and Their Influencing Factors

The role of residential land price in regulating local economic development and optimizing urban land spatial layout is becoming more and more prominent. This paper takes the residential land price of 229 counties (districts, cities) of urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in 2017 as the research object, and establishes a theoretical model of the influencing factors of county residential land price based on equilibrium price and regional economic theory; and uses methods of spatial autocorrelation analysis and spatial lag model to explore the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of residential land price in the research area and the influencing factors. The research results indicate that: (1) There are significant overall differences in residential land price among different counties within the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River, and the overall distribution of residential land price shows a "pyramid" pattern from low to high. (2) The spatial distribution pattern of residential land price in counties within urban agglomerations is greatly influenced by the location conditions and the administrative level of higher-level cities. The residential land price shows an inverted "U" distribution in the east-west direction, with the eastern part being higher than the western part as a whole; There is a gradual downward trend from north to south in the north-south direction. (3) The Global Moran’s I of residential land prices in the research area is 0. 603, with a significant spatial positive correlation and agglomeration phenomenon. and the obvious local spatial agglomeration characteristics. (4) There is a significant positive spillover effect between county-level residential land price in the urban agglomeration of the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. The residential land price in the study area is strongly influenced by both land supply and demand factors, policy systems, and government regulatory capabilities. The relevant conclusions can provide reference for urban agglomeration to optimize urban resource allocation through land price regulation, narrow regional development gaps, and promote the integrated development of the region.

Land market segmentation along ethnic lines: Four urban localities in Israel as a case study

Land market in Israel is formed by several submarkets stratified by ethnicity of local residents – Jews, Arabs and Druze. However, no study, carried out to date, investigated the magnitude of land price differences between these submarkets and factors affecting them. The present study attempts to fill this gap by comparing residential land prices in four towns of comparable size, one of which (Daliyat al-Karmel-Isfiya) has predominantly Druze population; the second town (Afula) is mostly populated by Jews; the third town (Shefa-'Amr) has a mixed Arab and Druze population, and the fourth town (Baqa al Gharbiyye-Jatt) has a homogeneous Arab population. The analysis covers the period between 2000 and 2016 and uses transaction records obtained from the Israel Tax Authority. The study reveals significant land price differences between the Jewish town of Afula, in which land prices are relatively high, and the rest of urban localities under analysis, where land prices are relatively low. Concurrently, there appears to be no significant differences in land prices between Arab and Druze localities under study. As the study also shows, market fundamentals (such as population income and natural population growth) appear to affect land prices in Afula only, while there is no evidence of any significant effect of these factors on land prices in Arab and Druze localities under analysis. We attribute these differences to the fact that land market in the Arab and Druze sectors in Israel is a distinctively different submarket, which appears to be heavily shaped by "informal" land transactions within the family, and unregulated property rights that effectively prevent mortgaging and land sales outside the community. The study highlights the extent to which land market restrictions and inefficiencies can alter land price trends.

The impact of subsidies on house prices in Mexico's mortgage market for low-income households 2008–2019

We estimate the effect of Mexico's primary house-purchase subsidy program for low-income individuals on house prices between 2008 and 2019, using administrative records from Infonavit, the nation's largest mortgage originator. We employ a fuzzy regression discontinuity design that leverages the existence of a threshold on the borrower's income that determined access to the subsidy program to identify the effect on house prices. Our estimations yield statistically significant evidence that the subsidy led to an average increase in house prices of 863 US dollars for the program participants at the threshold during those years. This effect represents 28.9 % of the average subsidy amount and 5.4 % of the average house price. The estimations control for individual, house, and location characteristics. Furthermore, we find evidence that when an intermediary is involved in the mortgage application process, there is a statistically significant price difference of 867 dollars for subsidy recipients. On the contrary, this impact disappears when no external broker is involved. These intermediaries are primarily real estate developers that build and sell the houses associated with the mortgages. These findings shed light on how market structure could have nonnegligible impacts on equilibrium outcomes and on the welfare effects of economic policy.

Impact of The Indonesian Presidency's G20 Agenda on The Stock Prices and Stock Volumes in The Coal Mining Sector

This study aims to determine the impact of the Indonesian Presidency's G20 agenda on the stock prices and stock volumes in the coal mining sector in Indonesia. It considers a sample of stocks from the coal mining sector that implement Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, selected through purposive random sampling. The research employs a quantitative descriptive method, comparing the stock prices and stock volumes before and after the Indonesian Presidency's G20 agenda took place in Bali, Indonesia. This comparison is made using paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, or sign tests. The results reveal significant differences in stock prices and stock volumes before and after the Indonesian Presidency's G20 agenda. This suggests that the G20 agenda led by the Indonesian Presidency has influenced stock prices and stock volumes in the coal mining sector. Given these findings, it is recommended that management invests further in initiatives to increase investor trust. Additionally, the Financial Services Authority (OJK) is advised to develop appropriate policies for capital market supervision, aligning with the objectives of the Indonesian Presidency's G20 agenda, particularly regarding the implementation of ESG principles in Indonesia.

Rancang Bangun Aplikasi Petani Sawah Sugita Menggunakan Algoritma Dijkstra Untuk Mempermudah Penjualan Hasil Pertanian

In general, the buyers of rice field produce are often middlemen who offer the lowest possible prices to the farmers. This is due to the lengthy distribution chain that causes a significant price difference between the low prices paid to farmers for their rice and the high prices consumers pay for milled rice. Therefore, in an effort to cut out the distribution chain that disadvantages both farmers and consumers, the idea of developing the Petani Sawah Sugita mobile-based application emerged. This application enables farmers to sell their rice and milled rice directly to consumers at prices that benefit both parties. The research was conducted by applying the four main stages of the SDLC. The requirements analysis phase involved observations and direct interviews with farmers in one of the rice fields located in the Ciasuk area, Tangerang Regency, Banten. The design phase was carried out by creating UML diagrams. The implementation phase was done with the assistance of Android Studio, resulting in the Sugita Rice Field Farmer mobile application. The application's standout feature is the location search for farmers or nearest products from users, built using the Dijkstra algorithm. The system testing phase was performed using black box testing. The test results showed that 105 out of 114 test cases, or 92.1%, met the expected outcomes. In conclusion, the development of the Sugita Rice Field Farmer application proceeded well and was successfully implemented. This application can help reduce product delivery costs and foster relationships between users and farmers. Furthermore, it simplifies the process for farmers to market their agricultural products to the wider community and provides valuable experience for farmers to stay up-to-date and leverage existing technology advancements.

Comparative Analysis of Stock Prices, Abnormal Return, Cumulative Abnormal Return, and Trading Volume Activity in the Indonesia Stock Exchange: An Event Study of the Russia-Ukraine War

The Russia-Ukraine war has captured international attention and raised concerns about its potential implications on global financial markets. This study aimed to investigate the interplay between geopolitical events, market reactions within the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), and the market efficiency of the IDX. The study employed event study methodology and analyzed changes in stock prices, abnormal returns, cumulative abnormal returns, and trading volume activity. The sample comprised 53 companies in the energy sector and 57 companies in the food and beverage sector listed on the IDX. The analysis focused on data from 10 days before and after three Russia-Ukraine conflict-related events, namely (1) the announcement of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the 24th of February 2022, (2) the announcement of an oil import embargo on Russia by the European Union on the 31st of May 2022, and (3) the announcement of the first wheat export ship’s departure from the port of Odesa on the 1st of August 2022. Both paired sample t-tests and paired sample Wilcoxon signed rank tests were conducted to assess the statistical significance of differences in the means of paired samples. The findings revealed significant differences in average stock prices before and after all three events in the energy sector. However, only events 2 and 3 displayed significant differences in average abnormal returns and cumulative abnormal returns. Moreover, events 1 and 3 exhibited significant differences in average trading volume activity. In the food and beverage sector, a significant difference in average stock prices was observed before and after event 2, while all three events presented significant differences in average abnormal returns and cumulative abnormal returns. Furthermore, event 3 showed a significant difference in average trading volume activity. These findings indicated that the IDX displayed varying reactions to different Russia-Ukraine conflict-related events. Notably, events involving multiple countries or entities exerted a greater impact on the energy and food and beverage sectors within the IDX, leading to more pronounced market reactions. Additionally, the findings suggested that the IDX exhibited a semi-strong form of market efficiency.

Analytical Methods for the Identification and Quantitative Determination of Wool and Fine Animal Fibers: A Review

The identification and quantitative determination of wool and fine animal fibers are of great interest in the textile field because of the significant price differences between them and common impurities in raw and processed textiles. Since animal fibers have remarkable similarities in their chemical and physical characteristics, specific identification methods have been studied and proposed following advances in analytical technologies. The identification methods of wool and fine animal fibers are reviewed in this paper, and the results of relevant studies are listed and summarized, starting from classical microscopy methods, which are still used today not only in small to medium enterprises but also in large industries, research studies and quality control laboratories. Particular attention has been paid to image analysis, Nir spectroscopy and proteomics, which constitute the most promising technologies of quality control in the manufacturing and trading of luxury textiles and can find application in forensic science and archeology.

Marketing Constraints and Price Perspectives for Onion in Khost Province, Afghanistan

The study was undertaken in the three districts of Yaqubi and Sabari, Mando Zayi and Bak of Khost province, Afghanistan, with the aim of evaluating marketing constraints, marketable surplus, intermediaries, and consumer perceptions regarding the price of onions. Despite its substantial influence on the economy and people's livelihoods, Afghanistan's onion marketing system has gotten insufficient attention. Onion prices in Afghanistan were volatile, which has a huge influence on the economy and people's capacity to buy basic foods. Data was collected from 120 farmers, 120 consumers, 30 wholesalers, and 30 retailers across the province. The study's main constraints faced by farmers in marketing onions included the majority of farmers 71.70 percent agreed that storage facilities were perceived to be expensive. 87.5 percent of respondents strongly agree that the lack of storage facilities was a major issue. Price changes were the biggest issue for customers, as 84.20 percent of respondents agreed. Limited market access was cited as a problem by 71.70 percent of respondents. The main constraint for wholesalers was the absence of facilities for grading onions, with 60.70 Lack of storage facilities was another key obstacle, resulting in 63.30 percent and No organizations (Councils) being available; 86.70 percent was a similar result for retailers too. The average onion production per Jerib of land was found to be 2386.16 kg/Jerib. Only 9.96% of the onion yield was used for domestic consumption, leaving the producers with a marketable surplus of 90.03%. Fluctuations in onion prices throughout different seasons were primarily attributed to the absence of proper storage facilities. The study has indicated that consumers tend to perceive the selling price of onions during the off-season as significantly higher than its on-season average price. The average price of onions during the off-season was 66.33 Afghanis per kilogram, whereas it was 22.16 Afghanis during the on-season. This indicated a significant price difference between the two seasons.

Does urban tourism development impact urban housing prices?

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between tourism development and urban housing prices in Chinese cities. Specifically, the study aimed to explore whether there is a relationship between the two variables in tourist and non-tourist cities and whether there is a non-linear relationship between them. Design/methodology/approach In this study, the entropy method was used to construct the China City Tourism Development Index, which provides a more comprehensive measure of the level of tourism development in different cities. In total, 45 major cities in China were studied using the panel data approach for the period of 2011 to 2019. Findings The empirical analysis conducted for this study found that tourism development affects urban house prices, and that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship. However, this varies across cities, with house prices in tourist cities tending to be more influenced by tourism development than non-tourist cities. Also, foreign direct investment, population size, fixed asset investment and disposable income per capita were found to have an impact on house prices in both tourism and non-tourism cities. Originality/value There are significant differences in tourism development and urban house prices in different cities in China. This study considers these differences when examining the impact of tourism on house prices in 45 major cities in China by dividing the sample cities into tourist and non-tourist cities.

Assessment of price variation in colorectal cancer screening procedures at US hospitals.

6652 Background: Following the 2021 Hospital Price Transparency Final Rule, US hospitals were mandated to publish their insurer-negotiated prices. We identified factors contributing to price variability of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening procedures across the US. Methods: We compared prices of colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography, fecal occult blood test, fecal immunochemical test, and Cologuard across U.S. hospitals using the Turquoise dataset (N = 6,378). Psychiatric, rehabilitation, and pediatric hospitals were excluded. Prices in the top and bottom 1% were also excluded to minimize the effect of outliers. Prices were adjusted by the Medicare Geographic Price Index to account for regional variability. We then compared prices across several subgroups, including National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated hospitals, teaching hospitals, and investor owned hospitals. Significance was assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. To quantify price variability across insurance plans within a hospital, we defined the within-center-ratio as the 90th percentile rate at a hospital divided by the 10th percentile rate. To quantify variability across hospitals, the across-center-ratio was defined as the 90th percentile median rate across all hospitals divided by the 10th percentile median rate. Results: 1,460 hospitals reported commercial prices for colonoscopy with a median commercial price of $1,867 (IQR: $1,208 - $2,689). For colonoscopy, the within center ratio was 2.5 (IQR: 1.5 – 3.8) and the across-center ratio was 6.2. Prices for other procedures are provided in the table. Compared to non-investor owned hospitals, prices of colonoscopy ($2,082 vs $1,787, P <0.001) and flexible sigmoidoscopy ($2,022 vs $1,289, P <0.001) were significantly higher at investor owned hospitals. Furthermore, across investor classes, hospitals with >5% ownership from private equity firms had the highest median price for both colonoscopy ($2,898), and flexible sigmoidoscopy ($2,697). We did not find significant differences in price by NCI designation, academic teaching center affiliation, overall hospital mortality, overall hospital readmission rate, or urban/rural location. Conclusions: CRC screening procedure prices vary significantly both within and across hospitals. Private equity and other investor owned hospitals had significantly higher prices compared to non-investor owned hospitals. [Table: see text]