Semi-Nonparametric Estimation of Energy Demand in Tunisia

Authors

  • Monia Landolsi Department of Basic Sciences, Deanship of Preparatory Year and Supporting Studies, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, P.O. Box 1982, Dammam, 34212, Saudi Arabia
  • Kamel Bel Hadj Miled Department of Business Administration, University of Shaqra, Saudi Arabia; & University of Sousse, Higher Institute of Management, Sousse, Tunisia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.15100

Keywords:

Fourier Flexible Functional Form, Iterative Zellner’s Seemingly Unrelated Regression, Energy Demand, Income and Price Elasticities, Elasticities of Substitution

Abstract

In this paper, we have studied the possibilities of substitution between different forms of energy at the sectoral level in Tunisia. Indeed, we estimated a globally flexible functional form of Fourier type using the iterative Zellner’s seemingly unrelated regression (ITSUR). Contrary to several previous studies in the literature, we calculated the price (proper and crossed) and income elasticities, the elasticities of substitution in the sense of Allen, as well as the elasticities of substitution in the sense of Morishima for the period (1980-2017). The results show that price and income elasticities differ from one energy product to another and from one sector to another, depending on the destination (final or intermediate) and the nature of use. Additionally, the findings suggest that energy demand is more sensitive to changes in income rather than changes in price. It is noteworthy that the absolute value of price elasticity is lower than that of income elasticity. Implementing an appropriate pricing policy can help limit the income effect and encourage economic agents to make efforts to save energy. Our results also indicate that any pricing policy aiming to reduce energy consumption must consider the possibilities of substituting between products. Otherwise, this policy may yield results contrary to the intended objectives.

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Published

2024-01-15

How to Cite

Landolsi, M., & Miled, K. B. H. (2024). Semi-Nonparametric Estimation of Energy Demand in Tunisia. International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 14(1), 254–263. https://doi.org/10.32479/ijeep.15100

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