Vegetable prices in Ho Chi Minh City have increased sharply for more than a week, with leafy vegetables showing the strongest gains. Retail markets such as Hoa Hung, Ban Co, and Tan Thoi Hiep have recorded price increases of 20 to 40 per cent in one week. Some items have doubled compared with early October. Da Lat thorn lettuce now sells for VND80,000 to VND95,000 per kilogram (US$3.26 to US$3.87). Spinach is priced at VND30,000 to VND40,000 per kilogram (US$1.22 to US$1.63).
At Vo Thi Sau Market in Vung Tau Ward, vendor Nguyen Van Ly reported limited supplies and slow purchasing. At Hoc Mon wholesale market on November 13, Da Lat thorn lettuce reached VND55,000 per kilogram (US$2.24), more than double mid-October levels, while spinach increased 2.5 times to VND15,000 per kilogram (US$0.61).
According to vendors, prolonged heavy rain and high tides have flooded vegetable-growing areas in southern Vietnam and in provinces surrounding Ho Chi Minh City. Output has fallen, and volumes entering the Thu Duc, Hoc Mon, and Binh Dien wholesale markets have dropped.
Rising vegetable prices have increased meal costs at food stalls. Portions of rice, noodle soup, or Vietnamese pork and shrimp noodle soup are now VND5,000 to VND10,000 higher than a few months ago. "A rice plate used to cost VND35,000. Now we must charge VND40,000 to VND45,000 to cover higher transport, utility, and rental costs," said a rice shop owner in Ban Co Ward.
Economists report that demand for fast-moving consumer goods and affordable meals is slowing. Households are adjusting budgets, planning meals carefully, dining out less, and reducing nonessential purchases.
Major retail chains are implementing price stabilization programs. Saigon Co.op has launched a year-end promotion campaign with 5 to 50 per cent discounts on essential goods and has expanded its network with the opening of Co.opmart Thong Nhat at Bcons City Mall. MM Mega Market Vietnam has started the "Daily Good Prices" program covering more than 2,000 items, including vegetables, meats, seasonings, and dried foods, with discounts of 10 to 35 per cent. The GO! retail system is running its "Buy More, Save More" campaign, offering discounts up to 50 per cent and increasing sourcing of vegetables and fresh meat from Lam Dong and Tay Ninh. Satra and Aeon Mall are also offering discount programs ranging from 10 to 40 per cent.
The Department of Industry and Trade, together with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and trade associations, plans to continue promotional activities through the end of the year. Events include the Supply–Demand Connection Week in Vung Tau Ward, the Bird's Nest Festival, the Food Festival, the Rice Fiber Festival, and the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Week.
Deputy Director Nguyen Nguyen Phuong stated that from now through year's end, the city will continue stabilization programs and promotional activities involving around 10,000 enterprises to support purchasing power and manage inflation.
Source: Saigon News
