Vegetable prices doubled after storm

(Baonghean.vn) - Heavy rain and flooding have caused food and vegetable products to "sell out"; prices have doubled compared to normal days.

Vinh Market, the central and largest market in the city, was flooded, causing many traders' goods to be severely damaged; market activities were slow. Meanwhile, traders in local markets such as Dai Hoc Market, Hung Dung Market, and Quang Trung Market displayed their goods on the sidewalks around the market area. To meet the demand for food during rainy days, many traders even turned their trucks into mobile food stalls.

The market was flooded, vendors spilled out onto the sidewalks to trade, photo taken at Quang Trung market area. Photo: Phuong Thuy

Many small traders turn trucks into mobile stalls. Photo: Phuong Thuy

According to the reporter's records, all items increased in price... following the flood level. Food and fresh food items increased rapidly in price, especially green vegetables. Due to the impact of prolonged heavy rain, vegetable growing areas in Vinh city, Nam Dan, Hung Nguyen,... were all severely damaged. The supply of these items decreased significantly, so the price of green vegetables was scarce and doubled, tripled compared to before.

Specifically, at Quang Trung market, water spinach is sold for 10,000 VND/bunch, double the usual price; mustard greens 8,000 VND/bunch; young squash 30,000 VND/kg; Malabar spinach: 6,000 VND/bunch; coriander: 5,000 VND/bunch...

The price of water spinach has doubled compared to normal days, 10,000 VND/bunch. Photo: Phuong Thuy

Ms. Nga, a trader at Hung Dung market, said: “I have to collect goods from early morning. On rainy and stormy days, goods are scarce, so I have to compete with other traders, and don’t have time to sort vegetables...but still don’t have enough to sell.”

Demand for fresh food increased sharply after the rain. Photo: Phuong Thuy

In addition to vegetables and tubers, on rainy days, the demand for fresh food items such as fish, shrimp, crab, prawns... increases significantly compared to normal days. According to traders selling these items, there are not enough goods to sell. However, prices fluctuate little and are stable, such as carp: 30,000 VND/kg; pomfret: 20,000 VND/kg; prawn: 30,000 VND/kg...

In contrast to traditional markets, purchasing power at supermarkets is stable. Photo: Phuong Thuy

In contrast to the “price fever” situation in markets and supermarkets, prices and purchasing power of food here remain stable. According to supermarket staff on Phan Boi Chau Street, the supermarket does not increase prices of essential goods to serve people, trying to provide enough green vegetables but still not enough to sell.

Phuong Thuy