After prolonged storms and flooding, hundreds of hectares of vegetable crops in Hanoi have been severely damaged. At local markets, vegetable prices have skyrocketed, leaving both vendors and consumers in distress.
Over the past two weeks, due to the back-to-back impacts of storms No. 10 and No. 11, many areas across Hanoi have been heavily flooded. The damage has not only disrupted traffic and daily life but also significantly reduced the supply of fresh vegetables from suburban farms.
As a result, prices for nearly all leafy greens have doubled compared to pre-storm levels. At markets like Nghia Tan and Dich Vong, as well as informal street stalls and temporary markets, vegetable prices have surged dramatically, while prices for root vegetables have remained relatively stable.
For example, morning glory that used to sell for VND10,000–13,000 per bunch (about $0.41–$0.53) is now priced at VND20,000–25,000 ($0.82–$1.03). Mustard greens and bok choy have jumped from VND25,000 to VND35,000–40,000 per bunch ($1.44–$1.64).
The soaring prices have caused a slowdown in business for small vendors. Many vegetable stalls are seeing fewer customers, and vendors are reducing the quantity of stock they purchase.
Xo’s vegetable stall at Nghia Tan market struggles with sourcing after the storm. Photo: Thuy Dung
Hong Thuy, a vendor at Dich Vong market, shared, "Before, I bought around 30–40 bunches of vegetables a day. After the storm, I only dare to buy 10–15 bunches. Customers are buying less, and the supply from the suburbs is way down due to the flooding. The wholesale price is high, and many vegetables arrive bruised or damaged. If I sell at a lower price, I lose money. If I keep the price high, I can’t sell.”
"Vegetables are so expensive now. A single bunch of morning glory already costs VND19,000 ($0.78) wholesale. I worry most about unsold stock. Selling it cheap means losing money, but keeping the price high scares off customers,” said Nguyen Thi Xo, a vendor at Nghia Tan market.
Stalls are emptier than usual. Vendors face potential losses, while customers hesitate to buy. Still, despite the steep price hike, many families can't imagine a meal without a side of leafy greens.
In response to the price spike, some households are opting for root vegetables like pumpkins, gourds, tomatoes, carrots, and kohlrabi, which have remained stable in price and are easier to store.
Leafy greens are less available than usual. Photo: Vu Huong
After floods, families are more cautious when buying vegetables due to high prices. Photo: Vu Huong
Even so, leafy greens remain a staple that’s hard to replace in daily meals. Many consumers are still willing to buy, even at double or triple the previous price.
Tuyet Nhung, a resident of Cau Giay ward, explained, “No matter how expensive, we still need to buy vegetables. I just have to be more careful about spending. Normally, I’d buy two bunches a day, but now I only get one.”
Nguyen Thi Hoa, from Long Bien ward, lamented that prices for morning glory, Malabar spinach, and mustard greens have doubled or tripled after the storm. “They’re bruised and dirty with mud. But my family’s used to eating greens. We can’t go without them. So now I just buy less and spread one bunch over two meals, supplementing with root vegetables.”
To better manage costs and ensure freshness, Hoa and several homemakers have turned to buying vegetables from supermarkets. While prices there have also increased slightly, the supply is more stable and varied compared to traditional markets.
Some families, especially students and migrant workers, have chosen to rely on homegrown produce sent from relatives in the countryside. This not only helps cut costs but also ensures quality and traceability.
Vietnamnet.vn
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