Concerns about rising electricity prices and living expenses

From 3:00 p.m. on May 22, gasoline prices were adjusted up. E5 RON 92 gasoline is priced at VND20,488/liter, after increasing by VND357/liter compared to the current retail price (VND1,011/liter lower than RON95-III gasoline); RON 95-III gasoline is priced at VND21,499/liter, after increasing by VND499/liter compared to the current retail price... Previously, on May 4, the average retail electricity price was also adjusted from VND1,864.44/kWh (excluding VAT) to VND1,920.3732/kWh (equivalent to 3%).

Although, according to the electricity industry's explanation, the 3% increase compared to the current average retail electricity price, the additional electricity bill for households is not much. But it is worth mentioning that the increase in electricity and gasoline prices will lead to an increase in the prices of goods and essential products, pushing up daily expenses. In the current difficult post-COVID-19 pandemic and labor and employment times, the price increase has a huge impact on many people.

“This month, my electricity bill has increased dramatically, almost 50% higher than last month. The weather is too hot, everyone uses a lot of electricity, and the increase in electricity prices is a pain,” said Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lai (living in My Thanh ward, Long Xuyen city ). As a worker, I have a low salary, and my working hours are often reduced because the company has no orders. Now, most of my essential living expenses have increased in price, making it even more difficult for low-income groups.

“Most of us try to have breakfast at home before going to work, not daring to eat out. Parties and group meetings are all cut down and limited. We tighten our spending, save on daily expenses… but we still lack money first, then run out later” - Bao Nhu (garment worker) said.

Maintenance of electrical equipment helps reduce electricity consumption.

“The boarding house subsidizes electricity and water prices, but in the hot weather, the demand for electricity and water has almost doubled. Especially when electricity and gasoline prices increase, the price of vegetables and fish at the market also increases immediately. It is very difficult to save money in this situation. Now, going to the market with 100,000 VND cannot buy much,” Thuy Trang (a worker renting a room in My Quy ward, Long Xuyen city) lamented.

Not only workers and low-income workers, many office workers also tighten their spending. “Prices have been climbing for years now, not decreasing. Everything is increasing, my husband and I go to work, shoulder the burden of raising 2 children to study, spending, rent, electricity, water, gas, breakfast, market… everything is spinning” - Mr. T. (officer of a unit in Long Xuyen City) shared.

Holding the electricity bill in his hand, Mr. M. (My Thoi ward, Long Xuyen city) was shocked: "Oh my god, this month's electricity bill is almost double last month's. I know it's a hot month, so I use a little more, but I don't understand why it increased so terribly."

Not to mention, the increase in water bills has also made people worried, when the urban drainage service fee for households in Long Xuyen City has been applied at 2,500 VND/ ^m3 since the beginning of this year.

“On average, my family spends about 90,000 - 100,000 VND per month. Since the beginning of the year, the water bill has increased too much, about 150,000 VND per month. Clean water is the most essential need, but almost everything has increased in price,” said Ms. Hoang Yen (residing in Binh Khanh ward, Long Xuyen city).

Decision 62/2021/QD-UBND, dated December 20, 2021 of the Provincial People's Committee approving the price plan and roadmap for implementing urban drainage service prices in the province. An Giang Electricity and Water Joint Stock Company applies in Long Xuyen City for households at 2,500 VND/ ^m3 , administrative agencies at 3,750 VND/ ^m3 , production establishments at 5,000 VND/ ^m3 , and service business establishments at 6,250 VND/ ^m3 .

According to the explanation of Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), in the past 4 years, the electricity industry has not adjusted electricity prices. EVN has encountered many difficulties in electricity production and business; financial imbalance, despite a huge cost reduction. The reason is that fluctuations in world fuel prices (coal, oil, gas) have caused EVN's electricity production and purchase costs to increase very high.

BROTHER

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