Food prices remain stable at the start of the new year.

At supermarkets, food prices remained stable, while at some smaller markets, prices increased slightly, similar to the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year).

From the third day of the Lunar New Year, some traditional markets, supermarkets, and shopping malls in cities across the country reopened for business. Purchasing power increased again, driven by the demand for shopping to prepare for the burning of offerings and ancestral worship.

According to a preliminary report from the Ministry of Industry and Trade , the supply of goods in supermarkets remains abundant and diverse, and prices are stable compared to before Tet (Lunar New Year).

In traditional markets, besides fruits for offering as gifts at the beginning of the year, the main items sold are fresh food (seafood, beef, various vegetables).

People shop at a supermarket on Hanoi Highway. Photo: Hong Chieu — People shop at a supermarket on Hanoi Highway. Photo: *Hong Chieu*

Compared to the days leading up to Tet (January 28-30), the prices of vegetables, fruits, and fresh flowers at the market did not increase significantly. Prices of fresh food items such as beef and seafood only increased slightly and remained relatively stable compared to the second day of Tet and the days before Tet.

"Although demand has started to increase, supply is relatively abundant, so there has been no shortage or sudden price increase," the Ministry of Industry and Trade stated.

Surveys show that the price of high-quality rice (Tam Xoan, Tam Hai Hau) remains stable at 22,000-45,000 VND per kg, pork at 120,000-150,000 VND per kg, ready-to-eat free-range chicken from CP ranges from 150,000-180,000 VND per kg, and beef tenderloin at 280,000-300,000 VND per kg.

Prices of seafood items remain at levels similar to those on the 29th and 30th of Tet (Lunar New Year), for example, large shrimp (26-30 shrimp per kg) cost 300,000-400,000 VND per kg, carp costs 90,000-120,000 VND...

Vegetable prices have increased slightly compared to the days leading up to Tet. Cabbage costs 12,000-15,000 VND per kilogram, kohlrabi 5,000-7,000 VND per bulb... Flowers and fruits have also seen slight increases: Canh oranges 50,000-70,000 VND per kilogram, Dien pomelos 15,000-25,000 VND per fruit, chrysanthemums 5,000-7,000 VND per stem, lilies and peonies 25,000-35,000 VND per stem.

According to authorities, from the fourth day of Tet (Lunar New Year), many supermarkets, convenience stores, traditional markets, and grocery stores began to reopen, offering a wider variety of goods. However, consumer demand in the market has not yet increased significantly, with most items still being food, especially vegetables, fruits, beef, and seafood.

Similarly, the price management agency, the Price Management Department ( Ministry of Finance ), also forecasts that the prices of essential consumer goods will not experience unusual fluctuations because shopping demand is still not high at the beginning of the year.

To continue controlling prices in the early days of the new year, the Ministry of Finance recommends that ministries, sectors, and localities continue to closely monitor the supply and demand and market prices of goods under their management. In particular, prices of essential goods and those experiencing significant price increases in their respective areas should be controlled to proactively ensure a balance of goods supply and stabilize the market.

Phuong Anh

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