Prices are rising, and consumers are carefully budgeting.

Rising electricity prices, coupled with the recent prolonged increase in fuel prices, are causing concern among many manufacturers, businesses, and consumers. Furthermore, the prices of many essential goods such as vegetables and food are also starting to rise, adding further pressure on consumers' wallets, forcing many to tighten their spending.

Rising electricity prices, coupled with the recent prolonged increase in fuel prices, are causing concern among many manufacturers, businesses, and consumers. Furthermore, the prices of many essential goods such as vegetables and food are also starting to rise, adding further pressure on consumers' wallets, forcing many to tighten their spending.

Electricity costs are rising.

Ms. Le Thi Bao Trang, owner of the Vinh Quang jelly business (Ward 8, Vinh Long City), said that in May she had to pay 17 million VND in electricity bills, an increase of 4-6 million VND compared to previous months. Due to the nature of production requiring continuous operation of jelly-making machines, refrigeration equipment, lights, computers, etc., the business consumes a high amount of electricity.

Rising electricity, fuel, and commodity prices are causing consumers to tighten their spending.

“Rising electricity costs and rising input prices like dried coconuts are making it difficult for me to balance expenses. With consumers tightening their spending, raising prices could easily lead to losing customers. So right now, I have to hold on, monitor the situation, and save electricity as much as possible. High-power appliances are only used when absolutely necessary, especially during peak hours,” Ms. Trang shared.

Not only are businesses struggling with rising electricity and other prices, but many households are also complaining about a significant increase in electricity bills. Ms. Bui Thi Cam Giang (in Ward 8, Vinh Long City) said that in the past few months, her electricity bill has increased by about 200,000 VND/month compared to the beginning of the year. Because her house uses many electrical appliances such as electric stoves, air conditioners, washing machines, etc., she tries to save more electricity by turning off the air conditioner before dawn.

With two air conditioners and other electrical appliances, Ms. Le Hong Lan (from Song Phu, Tam Binh) said: “Our family’s electricity bill has increased by several hundred thousand dong per month. Not to mention the price of some vegetables, meat, and fish has also increased, so living expenses have risen significantly. We have to calculate and cut back on other expenses to compensate.”

Since the beginning of May, the market for essential goods in the province has seen several price adjustments, notably a simultaneous increase in the prices of food, necessities, and fuel. According to some business owners, this price increase stems primarily from the upward adjustment of the average electricity price in mid-May, leading to higher production and service costs. The 4.8% increase in the average electricity price from May 10th has significantly impacted living and business costs. Although this adjustment was carefully calculated and monitored by the authorities, in the context of increased electricity demand, many households and businesses are still facing considerable financial pressure.

Grocery prices have also increased.

Observations at markets in Vinh Long City show that pork prices have increased compared to the beginning of the year. Ms. Bui Kim Nhung, a pork vendor at Vinh Long market, said: "Since the beginning of the year, pork prices have increased by more than 20,000 VND/kg, while purchasing power has decreased by almost half." Currently, the price of ribs ranges from 180,000-200,000 VND/kg, pork belly 150,000 VND/kg, bones 110,000-130,000 VND/kg, and leg 120,000 VND/kg…

Rising input costs and production expenses are posing a challenge to the operational balance of many businesses.

According to Ms. Nhung, the price increase is due to a shortage of pork supply. Thanks to a stable pig farming relationship, Ms. Nhung has been able to maintain her supply and also provide to many wholesale customers, including restaurants. "The meat sold must be of guaranteed quality to retain customers; we shouldn't import substandard meat of unknown origin just because of a shortage," Ms. Nhung said.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang, a vegetable vendor at Dong Binh Market (Dong Thuan Ward, Binh Minh Town), said: "Along with the increased costs due to rising electricity and gasoline prices, the rainy season also makes it difficult to preserve vegetables, and the prices of many types of vegetables have increased by about 30% compared to last month. Specifically, the prices of some items such as gourds and pumpkins are 12,000 VND/kg; water spinach and morning glory are 15,000 VND/kg; tomatoes are 20,000-25,000 VND/kg; lettuce and watercress are 25,000 VND/kg; leafy vegetables are 35,000 VND/kg; watercress is 60,000 VND/kg; straw mushrooms are 70,000 VND/kg…"

Nguyen Hong Nhung (Phuoc Hau commune, Long Ho district), who goes to the market daily, said: "The prices of meat, fish, and many other food items have increased, especially pork, so my grocery bill has also increased by tens of thousands of dong per day, which adds up to more than 1 million dong per month."

Not only fresh food, but the prices of food and beverage services have also been affected. At office lunch restaurants and takeaway coffee shops in the city center, prices have increased by 5,000-10,000 VND per dish recently. Owners of some businesses explained, "The increase in raw material prices has forced us to raise prices, otherwise we would lose money."

Faced with rising prices, many households are forced to change their consumption habits and tighten their spending. Thao Ngan and her husband, who work as factory workers in Hoa Phu Industrial Park (Loc Hoa commune, Long Ho district), said that their monthly salaries are divided among the family's expenses, and with each item increasing slightly, not only do grocery costs rise, but other expenses also increase, making them feel very discouraged.

According to the Provincial Statistics Office, in the first five months of the year, the total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue in the province reached over 33,500 billion VND, an increase of 25.1% compared to the same period last year. Specifically, retail sales of goods increased by 23.04%, accommodation and food services increased by 32.43%, travel and tourism increased by 38.14%, and other services increased by 26.22%. Simultaneously, increases in rent, home maintenance materials, electricity, and dining out, driven by consumer demand, were the main reasons for the average Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the first five months of the year increasing by 0.66 percentage points compared to the previous month, and by 3.62% compared to the same period last year.

Many people are drastically cutting back on non-essential expenses, prioritizing food and living costs, while also developing specific spending plans and making selective purchases. Taking advantage of promotions and discounts on digital platforms is also a preferred option for many consumers to alleviate the financial burden amidst fluctuating prices. Many consumers express a desire for stable prices, especially for electricity and fuel, to avoid other goods also rising in price.

Text and photos: TUYET HIEN - THAO TIEN

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/kinh-te/thi-truong/202506/gia-ca-tang-nguoi-tieu-dung-tinh-toan-chi-tieu-a2d06dd/