On March 5, when hearing the news of a sharp increase in gasoline prices, Ms. Vi Thi Hang (Dong Dang commune, Lang Son province) immediately texted her husband: "Have you refueled yet? I heard it increased this afternoon".
On the other end of the line, Mr. Loc Duc Minh - Ms. Hang's husband replied briefly: "No, it can fall tomorrow.
But in the evening of the same day, when leading his motorbike to the gas station near his house, looking at the new price list, Mr. Duc realized that RON95 gasoline had increased to 22,340 VND/liter, more than 2,100 VND higher than before.
At that time, I just remembered my wife mentioning it in the afternoon. When I got home, my wife immediately said, "I don't listen when I pour it first, now each time I pour it, it costs an extra ten thousand," Mr. Duc recounted.
A reproach that seemed very small, but made the couple exchange words throughout the dinner.
My husband said it's okay to increase by a few thousand, but I think prices are escalating day by day, saving as much as I can. So from refueling, I switched to household expenses," Ms. Hang said.
Not only Ms. Hang's family, the story of "gasoline price increase" has also become a hot topic in many families who have a habit of traveling by motorbike or car every day.
Mr. Nguyen Van Quang (35 years old, a worker in Bac Ninh) recounted that on the evening of March 5, his wife also lightly blamed him for not taking advantage of refueling from the morning.
My wife said she read the news and saw that gasoline prices were about to increase, so she reminded me to fill up early. But I thought it was normal to increase or decrease. When the price really increased, my wife said that just paying a little attention would save money for the family," Mr. Quang said.
According to the announcement of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, from 3:00 PM on March 5th, domestic retail gasoline and oil prices will be adjusted to increase sharply due to the impact of the world market, especially geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Specifically, E5RON92 gasoline increased by 1,926 VND/liter, to 21,449 VND/liter. RON95 gasoline increased by 2,189 VND/liter, to 22,340 VND/liter.
Oil items also increased sharply, in which diesel oil had the highest increase of 7,132 VND/liter.
In this operating period, the inter-Ministry of Industry and Trade - Finance continues not to make provisions or use the gasoline and oil price stabilization fund for gasoline and oil products.
In fact, for families using motorbikes to go to work, pick up and drop off children or do small business, the increase in gasoline prices may significantly increase living costs.
Ms. Hang said that every day the couple goes to work nearly 40 km.
As soon as gasoline prices increase by a few thousand, monthly travel costs will also increase by several hundred thousand," she said.
However, after calming down, she also admitted that the argument that night was mostly due to psychological anxiety when spending became increasingly pressured.
Actually, it's not because of tens of thousands of VND for gasoline. It's just that when prices keep increasing, everyone wants to save a little more," she shared.
When the family economy is under pressure from market fluctuations, discussing, sharing and agreeing on how to spend together can help reduce stress.
After that day, my husband and I agreed on a very simple thing, anyone who reads any news related to prices should let the other person know. If possible, prepare in advance, otherwise we will not blame each other anymore," Mr. Minh confided.
