What would most likely result in a decrease in the equilibrium price of oranges?

The decrease in the equilibrium price of oranges would most likely occur in response to new studies suggesting that oranges contain traces of cancer-causing substances. When information like this comes to light, consumer perception of the product can dramatically change. If consumers begin to associate oranges with health risks, their demand for oranges is likely to decrease.

As demand diminishes, sellers will have to lower their prices to entice buyers back into the market, leading to a decrease in the equilibrium price. This shift reflects a fundamental principle in economics: when demand decreases while supply remains constant, prices tend to fall to reach a new equilibrium.

In contrast, elements like an increase in demand or positive health studies about oranges would typically lead to a rise in equilibrium prices. A decrease in the price of oranges from suppliers could reflect a temporary market adjustment, but without a corresponding change in demand, it would not necessarily drive the equilibrium price down in the same way that negative consumer perception would.