Nghe An: Will strictly handle acts of hoarding goods and 'inflating' prices during the epidemic season

At Vinh market, food supply is abundant, the number of buyers does not fluctuate much. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Faced with the complicated developments of the Covid epidemic, especially when Nghe An had its first positive case in the community, the Department of Industry and Trade inspected and surveyed the supply of goods and prices at supermarkets, markets, and warehouses in the province.Vinh Citywhen there is a case of infection in the areaCovid-19in the community

Accordingly, the delegation conducted a survey of food, foodstuffs, and necessities at Vinh market and 2 warehouses in Vinh city. The inspection showed that there are currently a variety of food, foodstuffs, and necessities, with abundant quantities and stable prices.

Purchasing power of essential goods increased insignificantly, prices remained stable. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Owners of essential goods stores said that since May 7, immediately after the first Covid-19 case in the community in Nghe An was reported, the purchasing power of items such as instant noodles, cooking oil, fish sauce, rice, etc. has increased slightly. In particular, instant noodles are the best-selling item, with demand in some places increasing 3-4 times compared to before. However, the prices of these items are currently stable, with no fluctuations.

It is worth noting that this time, people have proactively "lived with the epidemic" so they are not panicking, worrying and rushing to buy food and provisions as before. Therefore, purchasing power has not increased dramatically.

Currently, agents, supermarkets, and warehouses have increased the amount of imported goods, increased inventory, and prepared scenarios for different levels when an epidemic occurs.

Currently, the finished rice warehouse of Thanh Nghe Tinh Food Joint Stock Company is storing 200 tons, so there is no need to worry about a shortage of rice supply. Photo: Thanh Phuc

At the inspection, Comrade Cao Minh Tu - Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade requested leaders of markets, supermarkets, and agents to proactively take epidemic prevention measures; plan to reserve essential goods to ensure supply for people and commit to...price stabilizationwhen an epidemic occurs in the area.

The leaders of the Department of Industry and Trade recommend that people stay alert and follow official information, avoid panic, worry, and hoarding that disrupts the market. They request that each person, if they discover hoarding or price gouging, notify the authorities for strict handling according to regulations.