According to Department of Industry and Trade, in the first quarter of 2022, the total retail sales of goods and services was estimated at VND 66,290 billion, increasing by 9.6% over the same period (in the first quarter of 2021, the increment was 8.7%). The average consumer price index in the first quarter increased by 2.2% over the same period, of which, the price increment was mainly in the transportation groups, which increased by 16.2%, and the commodity price by 2.2%. The total value of goods in reserve before, during and after the Lunar New Year, was VND 2,077 billion, increasing by 21.4% compared to 2021, and the reserve of essential goods at 97 traditional markets was about VND 211.2 billion.
In the first quarter, in order to stabilize the market situation, the provincial Division of Market Management regularly checked and controlled the market prices of essential commodities, especially petroleum products and medical equipment for COVID-19 prevention and control. Of 74 inspected cases, the market management force has sanctioned 70 cases with a total fine of VND 508 million. In the face of rising gasoline prices, the provincial People's Committee has directed functional sectors to have solutions to ensure supply, inspect and handle businesses that hoard goods and hike the prices in contravention of regulations.
Reported by Khai Anh – Translated by Vi Bao
