Consumers select grapefruit at a Co.opmart supermarket. Sources of essential goods sold at supermarkets are still abundant in spite of coronavirus fears

Due to the rapid spread of the Wuhan coronavirus, supermarket chains such as Big C, Saigon Coop and Vinmart have stocked up on goods to meet the rising demand.

The Big C supermarket chain has tripled its inventory for the local market, while Saigon Coop has doubled its inventory. Meanwhile, Vinmart has raised its stocks by 30%-50%.

Vegetables, fruits, rice, meat, instant noodles and spices are being sold in bulk at multiple supermarkets nationwide. The prices of these items have been kept stable, according to baotintuc.vn.

In addition, other retailers, such as Lotte Mart and MM Mega Market, have cooperated with farmers in some southern provinces and cities and in Dalat City to acquire enough farm produce to meet the soaring demand.

Apart from the plentiful supplies of essential goods, the supermarkets are working with the suppliers of face masks and hand sanitizers to increase their stocks of these items.

Le Viet Nga, deputy director of the Domestic Market Department, under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, noted that after the week-long holiday, the ministry told major supermarket chains, including Big C, Co.opMart, MM Mega Market, VinMart and Aeon, to ensure an adequate supply of essential goods and healthy food.

The representative of the department stated that the supermarkets have made adequate preparations, so residents should not be worried about a shortage of goods. SGT

Hung Le

Vietnam plans to ensure supply of essential goods amid epidemic outbreak

The new strain of coronavirus has killed nearly 500 people and infected more than 24,000 across the globe. Tran Duy Dong, director of the Domestic Market Department, speaks about its plans to ensure supplies of essential goods.