Gasoline prices increase, many essential goods increase accordingly

Prices of essential foods increase

For over a week, Ms. Le Thanh Diep (living in Binh Thanh District) has only gone to the market once every 3 days because the prices of some essential goods have increased slightly by 5-10%.

“At first, I didn't pay attention, but recently, every time I go out, I suddenly find myself spending more money than before to buy the same amount of food for my family,” Ms. Diep added.

According to a survey by Lao Dong, at some traditional markets in the area such as Cay Xoai market, Tam Binh market (Thu Duc city), Nguyen Tri Phuong market (District 10), Ba Chieu market (Binh Thanh district)..., most types of green vegetables have increased in price from 5,000 - 10,000 VND/kg. In particular, raw vegetables such as lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, chili, green onions... have increased sharply.

Specifically, green onions are 50,000 VND/kg, lettuce is 30,000 VND/kg, cucumber is 12,000 VND/kg, onions are 20,000 VND/kg... Some other vegetables such as green beans, okra, squash, pumpkin... remain stable in price, ranging from 10,000 - 15,000 VND/kg.

Traders at Ba Chieu market (Binh Thanh district) said that the price of vegetables has increased because the price of gasoline has increased, causing transportation costs to increase.

In addition, prolonged rain has caused a shortage of vegetables from Da Lat and neighboring provinces.

"The increase in gasoline prices has greatly affected transportation costs. Currently, vegetable prices have increased by about 30-40% compared to a month ago," said Ms. Oanh, a vegetable vendor at Ba Chieu market.

Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Thuy, a meat trader at Ba Chieu market, said: “Currently, the price of pork has increased by about 10,000 VND/kg depending on the type. For example, lean meat costs 90,000 VND/kg, but I have to sell it at 100,000 VND/kg... I am used to selling at such a high price, so when it suddenly increases, customers are more hesitant to buy. The increase in gasoline prices is also one of the reasons affecting meat prices.”

Efforts to stabilize commodity prices

According to supermarket chains in Ho Chi Minh City, for more than 2 months now, some units have received requests from suppliers to adjust the selling prices of goods due to the increase in gasoline prices, logistics costs, and input materials. To control selling prices, retailers have worked directly with suppliers to get the best prices, while increasing promotions to support consumers.

Assessing the current commodity market, Mr. Nguyen Dang Hien - Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Food and Foodstuff Association said that in the context of increasing prices of gasoline and some input materials, price increases of goods are only a matter of time.
Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong - Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City said that the unit is coordinating with departments, branches and businesses to implement many price stabilization, discount and promotion programs to limit the increase in commodity prices.

At the same time, the Department will also closely monitor price posting to stabilize the market and avoid "following the trend" when gasoline prices increase.

In addition, the Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City also issued a document requesting petroleum businesses to strictly comply with regulations on petroleum trading; proactively implement solutions, ensure supply sources, reserve levels according to regulations, share supply sources and profits in the distribution system to ensure uninterrupted supply of petroleum to the market.

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