AEON Mall Tan Phu Celadon in HCM City being disinfected before reopening on July 2. — Photo plo.vn

In order to stabilise food prices, HCM City authorities are considering how to reopen traditional markets, supermarkets and food stores while ensuring prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic.

Nineteen cases were detected at the Hoc Mon Market and more were contacts traced in other places, and as a result the district People’s Committee suspended delivery of goods to the place between June 28 and July 4.

The closure of traditional markets, transportation difficulties and lack of supply have caused prices of vegetables at the traditional markets and food stores that are still open to increase by 20-30 per cent and seafood by 10-15 per cent.

Cucumber has quadrupled to VND40,000 per kilogramme and squash has increased from VND30,000 a bunch to VND40,000.

Other vegetables have seen prices increase by VND5,000-15,000.

Shrimp prices are up from VND320,000 per kilogramme to VND370,000, cobia from VND280,000 to VND310,000 and red tilapia from VND60,000 to VND90,000.

Squid and octopus have increased by VND20,000-VND50,000 depending on the variety.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, the owner of a vegetable stall on Pham Van Chieu Street in Go Vap District, said: "Less vegetables than usual arrived at wholesale markets in the last few days. Meanwhile, demand is increasing, causing prices to increase in the last few days."

To prevent a disruption in the supply of goods, especially food and foodstuffs, the city Department of Industry and Trade has instructed modern retail outlets and firms participating in the city price stabilisation programme to increase supply to compensate for the temporary closure of the market.

The department and other related authorities have promised to keep a close eye on the market to ensure adequate supply and come up with measures to deliver goods to traditional markets or organise wholesale points for traders at traditional markets.

They will strengthen mobile sales to ensure adequate supply of essential food products to fully meet the city’s needs.

The department has worked with businesses and districts to ensure shops do not suddenly increase prices.

Besides, the closure of supermarkets, food stores and traditional markets has been shortened to ensure supply and stabilise prices while also ensuring safety.

In face of the situation, on July 2 around 10 supermarkets and food stores reopened.

A spokesperson for MM Mega Market An Phu said the supermarket reopened on July 2 soon after the people's committee of An Phu Ward in Thu Duc City announced the end of the lockdown.

An AEON Vietnam spokesperson also said the supermarket had been allowed to reopen by the People's Committee of Tan Phu District, which closed it for five days after a COVID-positive person was found inside.

Of the 234 traditional markets in the city, 93 have closed for authorities to evaluate their safety status. —VNS