A 20.8% increase in the base salary for civil servants, public employees, and members of the armed forces from July 1 has led to rises in prices of fresh food, goods and services.

Prices of fresh meats at many retailers tend to increase from July 1. Photo: C.THANG

According to recent surveys conducted at some wet markets across Da Nang on July 14, such as Hoa Khanh and Hoa My markets in Lien Chieu District, Hoa An Market in Cam Le District, and Bac My An Market in Ngu Hanh Son District, the prices of fresh food items have increased by 5-10%.

Small traders explain the reason for the recent increase in meat prices is that the livestock industry has been facing difficulties because the market is unstable, investment efficiency is not high. Also, fuel prices and high storage costs are on rise.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Huyen, a stall holder selling fresh meat at the Hoa My Wet Market Market, said that since early May, the price of pork has increased continuously due to a decrease in the supply of pork, and a hike in the prices of raw materials, storage and transportation costs. Meanwhile, the consumer demand for pork products is very large, so the prices of these items increased sharply.

In addition to pork, the prices of vegetables, tubers and fruits have also increased by VND 1,000 - VND 5,000/kg depending on each type.

For food products, the selling prices of all kinds of rice have rose by 10-12%.

Prices of such spices as chili sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, fish sauce and cooking oil, along with ingredients used for processing such as vermicelli, flour and rice papers are keeping stable.

The hike in prices of food ingredients has caused many restaurants and eateries to simultaneously adjust prices.

At some restaurants, signing boards have been displayed to increase the price of dishes on the menu by 7-10%. The reason is explained by the restaurant owners right on the notice "due to an increase in raw material prices".

Reporting by CHIEN THANG - Translating by M.DUNG