Shrimp and beef prices remained high on the second day of Tet.

(Baonghean.vn) - Right on the morning of the second day of Tet (Lunar New Year), traders in some markets have reopened to serve the needs of the people. "Buying salt at the beginning of the year, buying lime at the end of the year" is a Vietnamese custom for the new year, therefore, this year at markets and grocery stores, people are selling quite a lot of salt and lighters.

At the entrance to Hung Dung market in Vinh City, vendors are not gathering inside the market hall but are setting up their stalls right on the roadside. The goods on display are not as diverse as usual, focusing mainly on vegetables, tubers, and fresh produce such as carp, beef, and tofu…

Ms. Nguyen Thi Giang from Van Tien ward, Hung Dung commune, who went to the market on the first day of the year, said that the prices of vegetables had increased slightly, but beef and shrimp were quite expensive. Photo: Thu Huyen

Ms. Nguyen Thi Giang from Van Tien block, Hung Dung ward, said that in previous years she prepared a lot of food, but because the market was already open on the second day of Tet, she learned from experience and didn't stock up much this year. "Today I bought some extra fish, beef, and vegetables so that my family and relatives can gather around a hot pot to start the new year," Ms. Giang shared.

Currently, the number of shoppers at the markets is not yet high. Prices of goods are higher than usual, but lower than before Tet (Lunar New Year). Fresh shrimp, in particular, is expensive at 500,000 VND/kg; beef is priced at 300,000 VND/kg, 20,000 VND/kg more expensive than before Tet, and significantly higher than usual (normally around 210,000 - 230,000 VND/kg).

After the Lunar New Year, beef prices increased significantly, reaching 300,000 VND/kg for premium beef. Photo: Thu Huyen

Large fresh shrimp are priced at 500,000 VND/kg. (Photo: Thu Huyen)

Prices of other food items remained stable. Carp prices fluctuated around 90,000-100,000 VND/kg, and pork shoulder prices were also around 90,000-100,000 VND/kg.

Prices of some vegetables and fruits have increased slightly: tomatoes 20,000-25,000 VND/kg, kohlrabi 16,000-20,000 VND/kg, cauliflower 20,000-35,000 VND/kg, and cabbage 5,000 VND/bundle.

The custom of buying salt and lighters is to pray for a prosperous year and a happy family. Photo: Thu Huyen

However, the prices of fruits, flowers, and especially betel nuts for offerings remain quite high. Chrysanthemums cost 7,000 VND per flower, and betel nuts cost 15,000 VND per fruit.

In the past, people believed that salt brought good luck to the family, wishing for smooth sailing in business. Therefore, salt was sold in grocery stores and markets. Besides salt, they also sold gas lighters because, according to traditional beliefs, fire provided warmth and brought happiness to the family.

Thu Huyen