Hot weather causes seafood prices in Nghe An to surge during the holiday season.
(Baonghean.vn) - Increased purchasing power, coupled with the peak season for coastal tourist destinations, has led to higher seafood prices and more limited supply. At local markets, seafood prices increased by 30-50% during the holiday period.
According to surveys, for almost a month now, since the weather started to change.hot weatherThe prices of seafood have started to rise, especially during the first two days of the holiday, when prices continued to increase significantly.
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…
Prices have risen, but purchasing power has surged.Small traders selling seafoodHaving worked at Vinh market for many years, Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh Tam understands the supply and demand dynamics of the market. During holidays, demand increases, so she proactively imports three times the usual amount, yet some items still sell 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.”
In coastal tourist areas and seafood restaurants, customer demand has increased 5-7 times compared to normal days. Prices have therefore also risen according to market fluctuations. Ms. Hai Minh, a tourist from Hanoi vacationing in Cua Lo, said: “A month ago, at the same restaurant, ordering dishes for 4 people cost 1,500,000 VND, but now, with the same menu for 4 people, it costs nearly 2.2 million VND.”
However, the prices were listed, the owner quoted the prices beforehand, and the dish was only prepared after the customer agreed. I think that price is acceptable because it's not due to the holiday or the restaurant overcharging, but rather because the prices of seafood ingredients on the market have all increased."
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.”
Rising seafood prices and strong consumer demand have brought great joy to those involved in fishing and aquaculture. Currently, fishermen in coastal areas such as Cua Lo, Dien Chau, and Quynh Luu are actively working out to ensure a supply for the market; households raising clams, shrimp, and fish are also actively harvesting and selling their produce to traders while prices are favorable.
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.”
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.
