Food prices fluctuate, consumers calculate spending

In recent days, prices of essential goods have continued to fluctuate. Vegetable prices have increased sharply while pork prices have unexpectedly decreased. This contrasting increase and decrease has forced consumers to change their shopping habits, while retailers will be more cautious in their purchases.

There is no item that has not increased in price, perhaps that is why many people who go to the market are surprised by the new price of vegetables. In many traditional markets, vegetables have increased by about 50%. Buyers are startled, while small traders are worried, reducing their purchases for fear of unsold goods.

In stark contrast, pork is becoming a hot commodity. Ms. Minh’s stall has been selling out earlier than usual in recent weeks.

Ms. Ta Thi Thuy Minh - Small trader, Tan Dinh ward, Ho Chi Minh city said: "In my opinion, the attraction of the past 2-3 weeks is that meat is sold better than usual. Probably because the sea is rough, fish is expensive. The price of meat has gone down by 10,000 VND today, so people eat more meat."

Fluctuations in prices of some essential goods have forced family meals to "change" accordingly.

One resident shared: "Eat less. For example, Chinese cabbage is too expensive, so switch to sweet potato leaves. Depending on your budget, pack it up."

Another resident confided: "Prices are going up every day, I have to eat frugally but still have to ensure the health of my husband, children and family."

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade said it is stepping up price stabilization programs, in which many essential goods such as rice, cooking oil, eggs, and poultry are sold at prices 5-10% lower than the market price.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thang - Deputy General Director of Saigon Co.op commented: "We have also proactively worked with suppliers to add more value to the promotion. Consumers will enjoy added value through the product group that is heavily essential."

PwC’s recent Consumer 2025 Survey found that 47% of Vietnamese people ranked price as the top factor when purchasing food. This development shows that consumers are still very sensitive to price fluctuations and price stabilization programs are playing an important role in reducing spending pressure in the current context.

Source: https://vtv.vn/gia-thuc-pham-bien-dong-trai-chieu-nguoi-tieu-dung-tinh-toan-chi-tieu-100251118052522331.htm