Vegetable prices have increased simultaneously in many traditional markets in Hanoi in recent days, causing many housewives to worry.
According to a survey at a market in Ha Dong ward (old La Khe area), green vegetables have increased sharply at an unpredictable level. Water spinach was previously around 10,000-12,000 VND/bunch but now it is 20,00025,000 VND; the price of water spinach is approaching 70,000 VND/kg; tomatoes skyrocket to 70,00080,000 VND/kg; chili is about 70,000 VND/kg; the price of suffering is also over 65,000 VND.
Even mustard and spinach, the cheapest vegetables, have nearly doubled, in some places even 2.5 times higher. Traders said that import prices have increased day by day, forcing them to adjust retail prices.
This price increase directly affects household spending. Ms. Hoang Minh - a regular marketgoer said about the clear difference in vegetable prices in recent days: "Normally, buying Malabar spinach, cabbage, young corn, and green onions is only about 40,000-50,000 VND for a meal with soup and stir-fried vegetables. But a day ago, buying the same amount of vegetable seeds cost up to 100,000 VND. A box of 12'14 corn with corn alone has increased in price to 40,000 VND".
Not only Ms. Minh, Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong was also surprised when calculating the cost of the meal: "Yesterday I bought half a chicken for 126,000 VND, cooked half for an old couple for only about 60,000-65,000 VND. While stir-fried soup with broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers cost 80,000 VND. Eating vegetables now is more expensive than eating meat".
According to many traders, the vegetable supply at this time is affected by erratic weather and heavy rain, causing output to decrease, leading to prices being increased at both wholesale and retail markets. If the situation has not improved, vegetable prices may continue to remain high in the coming time.
In the face of this development, many families are forced to change their shopping habits, adjust their daily menus or limit the purchase of vegetables with strong price increases. The escalation of food prices is becoming a real concern in the meals of many households, especially middle-income families.
