The HCM City Department of Industry and Trade has promised to prevent any scarcity of pork or sudden price surges, saying the pork market would be steady. — VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Vy

The HCM City Department of Industry and Trade has promised to prevent any scarcity of pork or sudden price surges, saying the pork market would be steady.

According to the department, the price of pig on the hoof reached VND48,000-51,000 per kilo last month, 40 per cent up year-on-year.

Last year pig prices had plummeted, causing losses to most farmers, who reacted by reducing their breeding activities, and the resultant low supply pushed up prices, it said.

To ensure adequate supply of essential goods, including meat, in the city, the department regularly inspects the market.

According to Nguyen Huynh Trang, the department’s deputy director, businesses taking part in the city’s price stabilisation programme have increased supply and sell at 5-10 per cent below market prices.

But following the relentless increase in pork prices since April the city has reviewed and agreed for them to increase pork prices once each in April, May and June.

In the latest adjustment on June 7 the price of meat from the side and leg was increased by VND5,000 per kilo, while the prices of other parts went up by VND1,000-4,000.

Pork under the city’s price stabilisation programme now costs VND87,000-112,000 per kilo at retailers and businesses such as Saigon Co.op’s retail chains, Big C, Saigon Agriculture Corporation and Vissan Co., Ltd.

The department regularly asks participating companies about supply and stocks to make sure it can keep prices steady and under check.

The businesses have promised to ensure adequate supply of pork to meet demand. Some have also indicated plans to set up modern slaughter facilities and retail systems to bring quality pork at reasonable prices to more consumers. — VNS