Stopping to buy rice at a familiar store on 3/2 Street (District 10), Ms. Nguyen Bao Ngoc was surprised when the staff there informed her that 10kg of ST25 rice costs VND500,000, an increase of VND50,000 compared to August.
"Before, ST25 rice had a stable price and delicious quality, so my family chose to use it. This time, the price increased, so I also bought 5kg to use, not buying as much as before" - Ms. Ngoc shared.
As of October 17, the price of ST25 rice in Ho Chi Minh City market is increasing. People are paying 5-10% higher price of rice in traditional markets and stores in densely populated areas than at official ST25 rice distribution stores. Some places have even had to temporarily stop selling this product, waiting for the price to stabilize.
Ms. Nguyen Thuy Anh - owner of a rice shop on Ly Thuong Kiet Street (Tan Binh District) said: "The prices of regular rice remain normal. ST25 rice has increased by about 3,000-5,000 VND/kg. This type of rice is fragrant and sticky, so many customers are looking to buy it despite the price increase. However, the shop does not have much to sell because the supply is also limited."
Speaking with Lao Dong, Mr. Dinh Quang Thanh - Sales Director of Phuong Nam Food Joint Stock Company, the authorized unit of Ong Cua Rice in Ho Chi Minh City, said that the supply of ST25 rice is temporarily interrupted, the quantity is not enough to supply the market.
"In the past 2 months, on average, the authorized store in Ho Chi Minh City has imported about 6-7 tons of rice per day and no more. For large orders, we have to ask the factory whether we have received the order or not," said Mr. Dinh Quang Thanh.
Currently, many consumers are buying from traditional retail stores, making it difficult to distinguish between ST rice and genuine products. Therefore, Mr. Dinh Quang Thanh also advised people to buy from authorized stores or units that have been confirmed by Ho Quang Tri Private Enterprise to receive goods and have clear documents.
There is also an anti-counterfeit stamp on the packaging. People should use technology to scan the code to confirm the source of the goods, date of shipment...
