Consumers feel sorry for their wallets when vegetable prices are sky high.

Recently, the vegetable market in traditional markets and some supermarkets has been showing a significant price increase. Many people expressed surprise when they saw that the price of vegetables had doubled or even tripled compared to before. This situation not only makes small traders worried because of the decrease in purchasing power, but also forces many families to calculate and balance their daily expenses. Phu Tho Newspaper reporters were present at the markets to find out the reality of the "fever" in vegetable prices.

Recorded at Viet Tri City Market (Viet Tri Ward) - one of the major wholesale markets. Ms. Khong Thi Hong, a long-time vegetable trader at the market, said: "In recent days, the price of green vegetables has increased rapidly. It has doubled, even tripled for many items compared to normal. For example, chayote used to be only 5,000 VND/kg, but now it has increased to 15,000 VND/kg. Green onions, an indispensable item, used to be about 20,000 VND/kg, but now it has increased to 40,000 VND/kg."

Vegetable prices have doubled, and many items have even tripled compared to normal.

Complaints like “It’s too expensive!” or “Why is it so expensive?” became common when people stopped at vegetable stalls. Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhan (Thanh Mieu ward), who just bought a bunch of spinach for 25,000 VND (previously only about 10,000 VND), shared: “We are retired people, we have to calculate every penny when spending. Green vegetables are now too expensive, so we only dare to buy enough for meals, not to buy a lot to store for fear of spoilage and waste. We have to find ways to eat less fresh vegetables, or use fruits and vegetables instead.”

The obvious consequence of the price increase is that consumer purchasing power has decreased significantly. Many small traders said that business has become much more difficult than before. The price is already high, so they dare not sell cheaply for fear of losing money, but if they sell at the new price, customers will limit their purchases. Selling less, making little profit, and the risk of spoiled vegetables increases.

The main reason for the sudden increase in vegetable prices, as pointed out by traders, is the impact of natural disasters. The consecutive storms and floods that have occurred in key vegetable growing areas in recent times have caused great losses in output. “Demand is greater than supply” which inevitably pushes prices higher than normal.

Faced with this situation, a segment of consumers have turned to looking for vegetable supplies in modern distribution channels such as supermarkets, where prices are expected to be more stable.

This price increase is expected to be short-term as the North is about to enter the winter crop.

At Go! Viet Tri Supermarket, a supermarket representative said: "Overall, the supermarket has not had many fluctuations in the supply of essential goods, including vegetables and fruits. We are still expanding our reputable suppliers to ensure a stable supply of goods."

Explaining why prices are less volatile than traditional markets, a supermarket representative affirmed: "Supermarkets often have long-term contracts and commitments on prices with suppliers, especially agricultural cooperatives. This helps us keep prices more stable than buying and selling through intermediaries like traditional markets."

However, supermarkets also admit that some vegetable and fruit supplies have been affected by the weather, leading to lower output and a slight increase in prices. The solution that retailers have come up with is to encourage customers to choose alternative products with better prices or long-term vegetables and fruits that are less affected by natural disasters.

The positive news is that this period of volatility is expected to be short-term. The North, including Phu Tho , is about to enter the winter crop with an abundant supply of vegetables.

Some green vegetable items at supermarkets have fluctuated in price due to the impact of reduced supply.

"When the weather is favorable again, vegetable production areas will quickly recover. In particular, the winter crop is the main season for many familiar vegetables such as kohlrabi, cabbage, cauliflower..., promising to bring the price of green vegetables back to a stable level, helping to reduce the spending burden for people.

While waiting for the new crop season, consumers are having to tighten their spending. In addition to switching to buying vegetables and fruits with less price fluctuations, many families have also made the most of their empty space at home to grow their own short-term vegetables, both ensuring a clean supply and being a practical "self-rescue" solution against the price storm.

Bao Khanh

Source: https://baophutho.vn/nguoi-tieu-dung-xot-vi-khi-gia-rau-cao-ngat-nguong-242979.htm