Stockpiles of essential goods have been enhanced to meet public demand amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: thoibaotaichinhvietnam.vn)

At major supermarkets like Big C, Lotte, Vinmart, and Mega Market, goods reportedly are abundant. Vegetables, meat, shrimp, and fish are fresh and prices are stable.

People are saying they’re not worried because even at the peak of the pandemic, goods at both supermarkets and traditional markets remained as plentiful as usual.

“At both supermarkets and traditional markets, everything is normal. People have drawn lessons from the previous coronavirus outbreak. Goods at supermarkets are abundant and fresh and prices are the same as they were before the outbreak’s recurrence,” said a customer.

“Fresh food and dry goods are available. There are no unsold or unsellable goods. I know that supermarkets are fully stocked, so there's no need to hoard,” said another shopper.

Representatives of supermarkets and shopping centers say that, in addition to facemasks and hand sanitizer, they plan to increase stocks of food and other essential goods to prevent any possible shortages and price hikes.

Pham Thi Ngoc Lan, Deputy Director of Co.op Food, said, “During this second epidemic wave, buying hasn’t skyrocketed as it did during the first outbreak. Businesses aren’t under as much pressure. Except for hand sanitizer, for which we are waiting on delivery, all other goods are in sufficient supply. Inventory levels are about 30% above normal and prices are stable.”

Vu Thi Hau, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Retailers’ Association, said retailers have signed contracts with producers and suppliers to ensure abundant goods in reserve until the end of the year.

“Retail chains, supermarkets, and grocery stores have enough goods to meetconsumer demand. They also have scenarios to deal with goods shortages and price hikes. Retailers have lined up multiple sources of supply,” said Hau.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said that the Ministry will work with localities in monitoring and responding appropriately to price fluctuations in local commodity markets.

“Departments of Industry and Trade have worked with agencies and businesses to prepare stockpiles of essential goods to ensure that people across the country have enough to eat, even in an emergency,” Hai added.