Which of the following factors can lead to a decrease in demand for a product?

A rise in consumer prices can lead to a decrease in demand for a product, as it typically makes the product less affordable for consumers. When prices increase, consumers may reassess their budgets and decide to buy less of that product or substitute it with other alternatives. This inverse relationship between price and quantity demanded is a fundamental principle of demand in economics, often illustrated by the downward-sloping demand curve.

In contrast, an increase in consumer income generally increases demand as consumers have more purchasing power. A decrease in the availability of substitutes would typically lead to an increase in demand for the product, since fewer alternatives mean that consumers have less choice. Lastly, if consumer preferences shift away from a product, demand would decrease, but this option is not consistent with the effect of rising prices.