Recorded on the morning of October 4 at Ba Chieu market, many types of green vegetables were sold at prices 10,000-15,000 VND/kg higher than last week. Water spinach from 15,000 VND now up to 25,000 VND/kg, lettuce ranges from 40,000-45,000 VND/kg, sweet cabbage 40,000 VND/kg. Some other items such as amaranth, tomatoes, and cucumbers have also nearly doubled.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Nam, a trader at the market, said: Heavy rain in the Western provinces makes it difficult for farmers to harvest, vegetables are prone to spoilage, and the source of goods brought to Ho Chi Minh City has decreased sharply. The import price from the link is already high, we do not have much profit but still have to sell. Many types of vegetables imported from the North are almost out of stock".
Not only Ba Chieu market, but at many other traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City, vegetable prices have also increased simultaneously. The main reason, according to traders, is that vegetable sources from supply areas have not recovered in time after storms, causing a significant decrease in goods coming to the city. Vegetables transported from Lam Dong gardeners are also affected as transportation costs increase.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tam, a trader at Go Vap market, shared: "Many days, vegetable trucks come home late, the vegetables are crushed and cannot be sold. The quality of vegetables has decreased significantly compared to the beginning of last month, while the import price is getting higher and higher.
Meanwhile, consumers are also struggling with escalating vegetable prices. Ms. Tran Thi Oanh (residing in Bay Hien ward) lamented: "I went to the market and was startled, buying two small lettuce trees for 20,000-25,000 VND. The house is crowded, spending tens of thousands more per day than before, forcing me to buy some types less".
According to traders, the situation of high prices has lasted for more than a week and there are no signs of cooling down. It is likely that in the next few weeks, when the rain will decrease and supply from the West and Lam Dong will return to stability, the price of green vegetables in Ho Chi Minh City will decrease.
