Stabilizing the market after flood

In recent days, prolonged heavy rains have caused deep flooding, isolating many areas in Khanh Hoa, damaging crops, livestock and strongly affecting the food supply chain. The decrease in supply has caused the prices of vegetables and some fresh products at traditional markets to increase. The Ministry of Industry and Trade is synchronously implementing solutions to stabilize the market, proactively coordinating goods from neighboring provinces to meet the needs of people after the flood.

At major markets such as Xom Moi (Nha Trang ward), Phuong Son (Tay Nha Trang ward), Vinh Hai (Bac Nha Trang ward) and Thanh Son market (Phan Rang ward), the prices of vegetables and fruits after the flood have increased significantly, especially vegetables and fruits. Currently, cabbage is selling at 30,000 - 35,000 VND/kg, tomato: 35,000 VND/kg, herbs: 30,000 - 40,000 VND/kg, squash and pumpkin: 30,000 VND/kg. The quantity of goods from growing areas in the province has decreased sharply due to prolonged flooding, while people's demand has increased. Some other fresh products have also increased.

Customers buying fruits at GO! Phan Rang supermarket.

Price of some vegetables increase due to the impact of floods.

Along with the disruption of supply sources, the business activities of traders were significantly affected. Many people living in flooded areas had to stay at home to clean up, unable to return to the market. Others temporarily closed their stalls due to high import prices or the disruption of supply sources from regular customers. Phan Tam - Head of Phuong Son Market Management Board said: "Currently, the market has 384 business households, operating normally. The supply of meat, fish, and dried goods is still stable; however, there is a shortage of vegetables locally because the growing areas were severely damaged. Some small sellers in flooded areas have not yet returned to trading, or have temporarily stopped due to low imports and high prices. The management board is coordinating to support businesses to stabilize soon."

The price of some items has also increased because large supermarket chains such as GO!, Lotte Mart, Mega Market, and many warehouses of Bach Hoa Xanh in the Nha Trang area are deeply flooded and cannot resume operations. This has made the market in the past few days more dependent on traditional markets and goods from outside the province. Tran Quoc Sanh - Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade commented: "The flooding of some supermarkets and transit warehouses has caused a temporary interruption in supply. From November 25, the units are expected to reopen after repairing the warehouse system and sanitation, contributing to stabilizing market prices."

The Department of Industry and Trade has activated a market stabilization plan, coordinating with retail businesses, key players and large distribution systems in Ho Chi Minh City, Lam Dong and the Central Highlands provinces to increase the supply of goods. Green vegetables, meat, seafood, drinking water, dried foods, etc. are given priority to be added to the province in batches, especially for areas that are heavily affected or at risk of shortages.

At the same time, the Market Management Department has increased inspection and supervision at markets, supermarkets and retail outlets. The Market Management Force is required to check the price listing, sell at the listed price, and not allow unreasonable price increases, hoarding or mixing in poor quality goods. Mai Hung Vi - Deputy Head of the Market Management Department said: "We have activated the 24/24 duty mode, requiring teams to closely monitor the area, especially in areas where purchasing power is high. All acts of taking advantage of floods to profit will be strictly handled."

The provincial Market Management Force intensifies supervision at markets, supermarkets, warehouses and retail outlets.

People buy pork at Phuong Son market (Tay Nha Trang ward).

Up to now, although the routes have been basically cleared, the Department of Industry and Trade is still concerned about the risk of congestion at some landslide points or increased traffic volume in the days after the flood. To ensure that goods are not delayed, the Department of Industry and Trade has coordinated with the Provincial Police and the Traffic Police force to deploy a plan to prioritize green lanes for vehicles carrying essential goods; at the same time, arrange support forces to guide the way at key locations so that traffic can take place safely and continuously. Nguyen Van Nhut - Director of the Department of Industry and Trade emphasized: "We have worked with major distribution systems to increase the reserve of essential goods by 30 to 50%, ensuring a stable supply after the flood. At the same time, the province will deploy mobile sales points to bring price-stabilized goods to isolated areas, helping people access essential goods in a timely manner."

According to the representative of the Department of Industry and Trade, when supermarkets resume operations and traffic is completely smooth, the market will gradually stabilize in the next few days. The Department of Industry and Trade is committed to continuously monitoring developments, regulating the supply of goods reasonably, and not allowing shortages or unreasonable price increases to occur after natural disasters.

Hong Nguyet

Translated by T.T