The recent widespread flooding throughtout Viet Nam has caused a hike in food prices nationwide, especially vegetables which are up to 10 times the normal price.

A vegetable stall at a local market

As a result, the prices of these products in Da Nang have also climbed sharply because up to 90% of the vegetables and fruit sold in the city is transported from northern and southern regions, and from China.

At some local markets, bunches of water spinach or sweet potato buds are 10,000 VND each, whilst mustard greens, ceylon spinach, and sauropus are 15,000 VND.  Carrots grown in Da Lat City are priced at 30,000 VND per kg, whilst cucumbers and peas are being sold at 25,000 VND per kg.

Most notably, there is also a hike in the prices of herbs and spices in the local markets due to a scarcity of such products after the bad weather.  In particular, the price per kg of laksa leaves is 150,000 VND, small red chillis 130,000 VND, mint leaves 100,000 VND, and basil 60,000 VND. 

Vegetable growing areas in Hoi An and Da Nang’s Hoa Vang District have been seriously affected by floods and many of the vegetables have been destroyed.  The total volume of vegetables and fruit transported from nationwide localities to the city has decreased by up to 50% against normal.  As a result, local traders are having to import products from China to meet consumer demand.

At the Co.opmart supermarket and BigC mall the quantity of vegetables on display has reduced dramatically in comparison with normal days, the prices are higher than at the local markets, and the vegetables are often mis-shapen.

In attempting to control the price hike, the municipal Department of Industry and Trade will increase its checks and inspections at local markets to prevent traders from continuing to raise the prices of their products after the severe weather.  The department is cooperating with vegetable suppliers in Da Lat City and the southern region to transport organic vegetables to the city as soon as possible.