Low demand, stable prices.
According to information from the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development - Ministry of Industry and Trade , on the first day of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse 2026), the goods market entered a "trading break" state according to seasonal patterns. After the bustling days at the end of the year, when people's stockpiling needs were basically completed, purchasing power on the first day of the year decreased sharply, and buying and selling activities were at a very low level.
In many localities, most traditional markets, small shops, and shopping centers are temporarily closed for the Lunar New Year holiday and are expected to reopen from the second day of the holiday. Only a few large supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and essential services will remain open with limited hours to meet unforeseen demand. The fact that supply has been adequately prepared in advance has prevented price increases or shortages in the market.
Consumer demand on the first day of the year mainly focused on fast-moving consumer goods, fresh food, beverages, confectionery for guests, and food and beverage services for those celebrating the Lunar New Year. At the remaining open stores, customer traffic was sparse and transactions were sluggish.
Prices of essential items such as flowers for offerings, fresh meat, and vegetables generally remained stable. Some vendors recorded slight localized increases due to labor and storage costs during the holiday, but these adjustments were not widespread and did not create significant fluctuations in the overall price level. Nationwide, the supply of food, fuel, and consumer goods for Tet remained secure; circulation and distribution were smooth.
This result stems from early preparation of supply sources and market stabilization efforts. Because this year's Lunar New Year is quite far from the Gregorian New Year, businesses have had the opportunity to develop production plans, build reserves, and strengthen their distribution systems. The total value of goods in reserve increased by approximately 10-15% compared to a normal month; at some large distribution companies, the increase in reserves of essential goods reached 20-40%, ensuring the ability to meet demand in case of a sudden surge.
Market stabilization programs have proven effective.
Goods for Tet (Lunar New Year) focus on food, fresh and processed foods, confectionery, beverages, gasoline, etc., with abundant supply and generally stable prices. Many localities have organized Tet fairs, markets, and mobile sales points in industrial zones, remote areas, border regions, and islands, helping people access goods at reasonable prices and contributing to social welfare.
The connection between supply and demand in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other provinces and cities has been strengthened, boosting the consumption of regional specialties and OCOP products during Tet. In modern retail channels, systems such as Saigon Co.op , Central Retail, MM Mega Market, Lotte Mart, and AEON have proactively expanded their product sources, implemented promotions, and increased online sales and home delivery, thereby reducing the pressure of rush shopping during the peak season.
The market stabilization program is implemented through a socialized approach, utilizing the self-funded capital of businesses. Many goods are committed to being sold at prices 5-10% lower than market prices and maintaining stability before, during, and after Tet (Lunar New Year).
In Da Nang and An Giang, local authorities are supporting the transportation and delivery of price-stabilized goods to mountainous and island areas, ensuring that people in disadvantaged regions have access to essential goods at stable prices. In Hanoi alone, the price stabilization program involves 19 participating units with approximately 10,700 sales points; in Ho Chi Minh City, over 89 units are participating, with price-stabilized goods accounting for 23-43% of the market share depending on the product group, capable of regulating the market when necessary.
Regarding price management, the Ministry of Industry and Trade requires localities to ensure a balance between supply and demand, increase reserves early, and publicly disclose information on supply and prices to stabilize consumer sentiment and limit hoarding. For petroleum products, key distributors and suppliers are required to proactively create sources and maintain circulating reserves as regulated, ensuring uninterrupted supply under any circumstances. Price management must closely follow global developments, be transparent, and harmonize the interests of the State, businesses, and consumers.
Simultaneously, a comprehensive plan to combat smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods before, during, and after Tet (Lunar New Year) was implemented. Market management forces intensified inspections of high-demand goods such as food, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cosmetics, electronics, and construction materials; and controlled warehouses, transit points, wholesale markets, and e-commerce activities. During the reporting period, the market remained generally stable, with no major incidents recorded; no instances of speculation, hoarding, or unreasonable price increases for gasoline or essential goods were detected.
According to the general assessment of the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development - Ministry of Industry and Trade, the market on the first day of the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse) operated quietly as usual, with balanced supply and demand and stable prices. It is expected that from the second day onwards, when the distribution system reopens, buying and selling activities will gradually become more vibrant, but there are no factors that could cause significant price or supply fluctuations.
Source: https://vtv.vn/thi-truong-hang-hoa-ngay-tet-nguon-cung-doi-dao-gia-ca-on-dinh-100260217121243076.htm
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