Hot weather, Nghe An seafood prices increase sharply during holidays

Seafood is a popular choice for many people on their menus during this hot holiday season. Photo: TP

According to a survey, for nearly a month now, when the weather has started to get hot, the prices of seafood have started to increase, especially in the first two days of the holiday, the prices of these items have continued to increase.

Accordingly, the price of green crabs reached 550,000 - 650,000 VND/kg (6-7 crabs/kg), red crabs 350,000 - 450,000 VND/kg (6-7 crabs/kg); crabs cost 600,000 - 700,000 VND/kg, fresh squid around 400,000 VND/kg, lobster 1.2 million VND/kg, clams 150,000 VND/kg, pomfret 200,000 - 250,000 VND/kg, fat snails 200,000 VND/kg, fragrant snails 250,000-300,000 VND/kg, mantis shrimp 230,000-290,000 VND/kg…

Seafood shops import large quantities to meet customer demand. Photo: TP

Prices have increased but purchasing power has still increased dramatically. As a long-time seafood trader at Vinh market, Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Tam clearly understands the law of supply and demand of the market. During the holidays, people's demand increases so she proactively imported 3 times the quantity compared to normal days, but some items are still "sold out" on peak days.

Ms. Minh Tam said: “Besides retail sales to customers, sales to markets and restaurants have also increased 2-3 times compared to normal days. The prices of fresh seafood increase daily, depending on the time of year, averaging a 30% increase. Frozen seafood, however, remains stable in price.”

At the markets, the demand for seafood has also increased significantly. Photo: TP

In coastal tourist areas or seafood restaurants, the demand of diners has also increased 5-7 times compared to normal days. Prices have therefore also increased according to market fluctuations. Ms. Hai Minh, a tourist from Hanoi who came to Cua Lo for a vacation, said: “A month ago, at this same restaurant, ordering dishes for 4 people cost 1,500,000 VND, now with the same menu for 4 people, it has increased to nearly 2.2 million VND.

However, the price is listed, the owner has also quoted the price in advance and the customer agrees before making the dish. I think that price is acceptable because it is not because of the holiday that the restaurant "rips off", but because the price of seafood ingredients on the market has increased.

Seafood restaurants in coastal tourist areas balance prices so as not to "increase" too much when serving tourists. Photo: TP

Nguyen Van Thuan, a long-time seafood restaurant owner in Quynh Bang (Quynh Luu), said: "Seafood is a highly volatile commodity, depending on catch volume and consumer demand. Therefore, price increases during holidays and peak hot seasons are understandable. Market prices rise, forcing us to increase prices accordingly."

To ensure fair prices for customers, seafood prices are updated daily and clearly displayed so customers can make informed choices. On the other hand, we also need to regulate prices to prevent excessive increases in seafood costs due to processing fees.”

Frozen seafood, in particular, has more stable prices. Photo: TP

The price of seafood has increased, and the demand for consumption is strong, so seafood farmers and fishers are very excited. Currently, fishermen in the coastal areas of Cua Lo, Dien Chau, Quynh Luu, etc. are actively sticking to the sea to have a source of goods to supply the market; households raising clams, shrimp, and fish are also actively harvesting to sell to traders when the price is "good".

Mr. Nguyen Van Sang, a fisherman from Nghi Hai ward (Cua Lo town), said: “Our boats fish during the day, leaving at night and returning to shore the next morning. The seafood we catch is mainly fresh squid. This time, the price of squid has increased significantly, from 400,000 to 600,000 VND/kg, and traders are buying it right at the dock, so we are very happy.”

Seafood dishes are popular in hot weather. Photo: TP

The five-day holiday coincided with a period of extreme heat, leading people to flock to coastal resorts or choose to dine at home. As a result, the demand for seafood increased, causing price fluctuations.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/nang-nong-hai-san-nghe-an-tang-gia-manh-dip-le-post288514.html