Prolonged rain has caused a sharp increase in vegetable prices at the market.

Observations made on August 2nd at local markets and wholesale markets in Hanoi showed that the price of green vegetables had increased by about 10-20% compared to the period before the heavy rains, with some types almost doubling in just one week.

Sweet potato leaves have increased in price from 6,000-7,000 VND/bunch to 10,000 VND/bunch; jute leaves from 6,000 VND/bunch to 9,000-10,000 VND/bunch. Aromatic herbs, onions, and lettuce are also damaged and have rotten roots, causing their prices to rise. Water spinach has increased from 8,000-11,000 VND/bunch to 13,000-15,000 VND/bunch, lettuce from 20,000-25,000 VND/kg to 40,000 VND/kg, curly green lettuce from 35,000-40,000 VND/kg to 50,000 VND/kg, and green onions fluctuate between 30,000-35,000 VND/kg.

Vegetable prices at markets in Hanoi have risen sharply following the prolonged period of rain.

Herbs like mint, perilla, and basil have increased in price from 2,000-5,000 VND/bundle to 4,000-7,000 VND/bundle. Some vegetables and fruits, less affected by price increases, such as cucumbers, green beans, and squash, have seen a slight increase of 5-10% due to limited supply to markets.

Prices of root vegetables and fruits have also increased significantly, with zucchini rising from 8,000 VND to 13,000 VND/kg, tomatoes from 20,000 VND to 27,000 VND/kg, and potatoes from 20,000 VND to 25,000 VND/kg…

According to some small traders, the sharp increase in vegetable prices is due to the impact of continuous heavy rains from last week until now, which have flooded many vegetable growing areas, causing damage and leading to a shortage of many types of vegetables, especially leafy greens.

Continuous heavy rains in vegetable-producing areas have damaged crops, reducing their freshness and quality, thus limiting the supply of many types of vegetables, especially leafy greens. In addition, unfavorable weather conditions have caused flooding in some suburban areas of Hanoi, such as Dong Anh, Me Linh, and Quoc Oai, making transportation and storage more difficult.

A vegetable stall at Ha Dong market on the morning of August 2nd.

Sharing with reporters, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha, a small trader at Van Quan wholesale market in Ha Dong, said: "Heavy rains over the past few days have flooded vegetable fields, reducing yields and affecting harvesting. As a result, the quantity of vegetables is insufficient to supply the market, leading to higher prices. Because of their dependence on the weather, the prices of green vegetables change daily. Meanwhile, some summer-autumn vegetables, such as jute mallow and amaranth, are nearing the end of their season and are experiencing reduced yields; winter vegetables, recently planted, are not yet ready for harvest."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hien, a small trader at Trung Liet Market (Dong Da District), said that the price of green vegetables at wholesale markets has increased, leading to a corresponding increase in the price for consumers. The high prices have resulted in people buying significantly less vegetables than before. Ms. Hien predicts that green vegetable prices will remain high for the next two weeks due to the unpredictable weather patterns and the approaching rainy season.

Rising vegetable prices not only affect the business of small traders but also make it difficult for many housewives to prepare daily meals. Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong (Yiet Kieu ward, Ha Dong district) shared: "Normally, my family of four spends about 20,000 dong on vegetables, but now, each meal costs 35,000 dong just to buy a few bunches of vegetables with some onions and cilantro. I have to hurry to the market early, buy vegetables from people who come from the countryside to sell, or go to the wholesale market to get a slightly cheaper price."

Also "concerned" about the rising price of vegetables, Ms. Tran Thi Tuyet (Khuong Trung ward, Thanh Xuan district) shared: "I just bought green onions for 8,000 dong, whereas before, the same amount of vegetables only cost me 5,000 dong. Now, going to the market, I spend almost 40,000 dong just on vegetables. Seeing that root vegetables and fruits are cheaper, I bought more today instead of buying leafy greens like before."

Source: https://congthuong.vn/mua-keo-dai-gia-rau-xanh-tai-cho-tang-manh-336418.html