Processed food on sale at traditional markets. Photo: Hoang Hieu/TTXVN
During surveys conducted at traditional markets, local markets, and wholesale markets such as Kim Lien (Dong Da), Thanh Cong (Ba Dinh), De (Hoang Mai), Nguyen Cong Tru, Hom Duc Vien (Hai Ba Trung), Mung 8/3, Truong Gang, and the southern wholesale market (Hoang Mai), various vendors offered a wide range of fresh produce at prices that remained stable compared to the 30th day of Lunar New Year, and in some cases, the prices even dropped to near-normal levels.
On February 9 (the 30th day of Lunar New Year), the prices of food items, fresh vegetables, and fruits all skyrocketed, with green bananas reaching 120,000 – 180,000 VND/bunch, and even single bananas going up to 350,000 – 400,000 VND/bunch. Meanwhile, oranges were priced at 160,000 – 180,000 VND/kg, longan at 55,000 – 65,000 VND/kg, watermelon at 25,000 – 35,000 VND/kg, muskmelon at 65,000 – 75,000 VND/kg, dragon fruit at 60,000 – 75,000 VND/kg, and cherries imported from Chile reaching 500,000 VND/kg. Local oranges in Saigon were priced at 40,000 – 60,000 VND/kg.
By February 12 (the 3rd day of Lunar New Year), the prices of vegetables and fruits had significantly dropped. Green bananas were priced at 50,000 – 80,000 VND/bunch, longan at 45,000 – 50,000 VND/kg, Cat Chu mangoes at 55,000 – 65,000 VND/kg, watermelon at 10,000 – 15,000 VND/kg, muskmelon at 45,000 – 50,000 VND/kg, dragon fruit at 45,000 – 50,000 VND/kg, and cherries imported from Chile were priced at 320,000 – 350,000 VND/kg…
Ms. Dang Thi Thuan, the owner of a fresh fruit store on Phan Huy Chu Street, Hoan Kiem District (Hanoi), said that the prices of fresh fruits had significantly increased prior to the Lunar New Year, with prices going up every day. For example, cherry cherries were sold at 320,000 – 350,000 VND/kg on the 27th and 28th day of Lunar New Year, but on the 29th and 30th day, the price had increased to 500,000 VND/kg, and there was no stock. Cherries imported from Australia or New Zealand were priced at 550,000 – 650,000 VND/kg, which then increased to 900,000 VND/kg. Thai oranges reached 480,000 VND/kg. The reason for the price hike, according to Ms. Thuan, was the increase in transportation costs, which had a ripple effect on the prices of fruits.
“However, on February 12 (the 3rd day of Lunar New Year), many people were busy with the New Year rituals. Nonetheless, fruit stocks remained from the previous year, so the prices of these fruits did not increase compared to the 30th day of Lunar New Year,” shared Ms. Dang Thi Thuan.
Meanwhile, the prices of vegetables remained stable. For instance, carrots were priced at 8,000 VND/kg, lettuce at 18,000 – 20,000 VND/head, tomatoes at 18,000 – 20,000 VND/kg, and cabbage at 8,000 – 10,000 VND/head…
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Nghia, the owner of a vegetable store at Nguyen Cong Tru Market, Hai Ba Trung District, favorable weather conditions resulted in a bountiful vegetable harvest, which is why the prices did not go up. Many fresh fruits and vegetables for the New Year rituals maintained their prices.
Ms. Bui Hang Trang, living on Lo Duc Street, Hai Ba Trung District, said that the 12th day of Lunar New Year was a lucky day for her family, so they performed New Year rituals and had a big feast. Currently, there is an abundance of goods, and supermarkets as well as traditional markets are open early. Fresh foods, vegetables, and fruits are abundant and priced reasonably.
Notably, the prices of fresh flowers have significantly dropped today. Specifically, roses were priced at 5,000 – 7,000 VND/stem, lilies at 15,000 – 25,000 VND/stem, marigolds at 4,000 – 5,000 VND/flower, sunflowers at 7,000 – 8,000 VND/flower, and medicinal flowers at 50,000 – 70,000 VND/bouquet…
On the 30th day of Lunar New Year, flower prices were extremely high. For example, roses were sold for 12,000 – 15,000 VND/stem, lilies for 35,000 – 60,000 VND/stem, marigolds for 7,000 – 8,000 VND/flower, sunflowers for 12,000 – 13,000 VND/flower, and medicinal flowers for 70,000 – 250,000 VND/bouquet…
Explaining the sharp increase in flower prices, Mr. Nguyen Van Binh, the owner of a flower store on Vo Thi Sau Street, Hai Ba Trung District, said that the unusual hot weather had caused the flowers to bloom excessively.
As for live seafood, the prices have not increased compared to normal days. For instance, fresh shrimp were priced at 250,000 – 400,000 VND/kg, squid at 150,000 – 250,000 VND/kg, octopus at 150,000 – 160,000 VND/kg, and catfish at 330,000 VND/kg. The prices of pork ranged from 130,000 – 150,000 VND/kg, depending on the type; beef was priced at 220,000 – 270,000 VND/kg, depending on the type; gio lua (Vietnamese sausage) was priced at 220,000 VND/kg, and ram shrimp paste was priced at 160,000 VND/kg. Rooster meat was priced at 110,000 – 120,000 VND/kg, and hen meat was priced lower at about 90,000 – 100,000 VND/kg…
However, the prices of fresh betel nuts were ridiculously high at 30,000 VND/fruit, with no stock available due to the fact that it was the beginning of the year, and people have not had a chance to harvest fresh betel nuts yet, according to Ms. Nguyen Thi Loan, a betel nut seller at Trai Gang Market.
