Vegetable supplies in markets hurt by cold

In some markets in Ha Noi, vegetable prices have increased in last three record cold days. — Photo giadinh.net.vn

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — While markets in Ha Noi failed to meet local demand for vegetables in these record cold days, the price and supply in supermarkets are still stable thanks to the goods reserving scheme.

In some markets in Ha Noi, vegetable prices have increased in last three record cold days, Tin Tuc (News) newspaper reported.

Scallion increased from VND20,000 (90 US cents) to VND70,000 ($3.1) per kg. Cabbage turnip also increased from VND2,500 (11 cents) to VND5,000 (22 cents) each, said Thanh Ha, a vegetable seller of Thanh Cong Market.

"The price of others including tomato, water dropwort is also on the rise. Water spinach is even not available to buy," Nguyen Thu Ha of Cau Giay District, said.

"Normally I spend VND10,000 (45 cents) per day for vegetables. Now I spend VND30,000 ($1.3) these days," said Ha.

The prolonged rain and severe cold spell slowed down the growth of vegetables and caused a shortage of supply for markets, according to retailers.

Supermarkets well-stocked

While vegetables are scarce and more expensive than usual in markets, the price and supply are stable in supermarkets, Kinh Te va Do Thi (Economy and Urban) newspaper reported.

To ensure a sufficient supply of vegetables and food for the locals before, during and after Tet (Lunar New Year), Fivimart signed many contracts buying vegetables from different areas nationwide including Da Lat City and Vinh Phuc and Hai Duong provinces, said a representative of Fivimart Long Bien.

Under the contract, vegetable providers were made to ensure a sufficient supply for the supermarket and keep the price stable, he said.

A recent inspection of Ha Noi Department of Industry and Trade showed supermarkets in Ha Noi satisfied local demand for vegetables these days.

Some supermarkets even offered discounts for customers with VND10,000 (45 cents) for three cabbage turnips while it was about VND5,000 (22 cents) each in markets, according to the inspection. — VNS