The Domestic Market Management and Development Department has organized inspection teams to review preparations for supply assurance and market stabilization in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces.

According to the Domestic Market Management and Development Department (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade), this is the department’s first inspection mission during the peak period in preparation for the 2026 Year of the Horse Lunar New Year. The inspections focus on objectively assessing supply preparedness, the ability to meet surging consumer demand, and market management and regulatory efforts at the local level.

Proactive supply preparation ensures stable market operations

In Ha Tinh province, the inspection team conducted on-site surveys at Ha Tinh City Market, Co.opmart Ha Tinh, and Ha Tinh Petroleum Company (Petrolimex Ha Tinh). The review centered on the supply of essential goods, consumer purchasing power, and price movements in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year.

According to observations, gasoline and petroleum consumption during the Lunar New Year is expected to rise by around 15-20%, equivalent to approximately 520 cubic meters per day. To proactively meet this demand, Petrolimex Ha Tinh has maintained an average inventory of about 3,700 cubic meters per day, sufficient to cover roughly seven days of consumption. Early supply preparation has helped ensure stable and uninterrupted retail fuel operations before, during, and after the holiday.

Similarly, Co.opmart Ha Tinh has developed a stockpiling plan that increases inventory by 25-30% compared with the same period last year and by 30-

40% compared with normal days. The total value of reserved goods is estimated at around VND 65 billion, focusing on essential items such as food, confectionery, and household goods to meet Tet shopping demand.

Surveys at traditional markets indicate ample supplies and a wide range of products, from fresh food and dried goods to daily necessities. Prices of basic commodities remain largely stable, with no signs of shortages or unreasonable price hikes. Some items, such as pork and vegetables, have seen slight fluctuations in line with supply and demand, but these remain within controllable limits.

The Ha Tinh Department of Industry and Trade has proactively developed a market stabilization plan in conjunction with intensified inspections and controls to combat smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods. Currently, 10 entities across the province are participating in the market stabilization and stockpiling program, including eight businesses dealing in essential consumer goods, with total reserved inventory valued at approximately VND 620 billion.

Early and coordinated implementation of market stabilization measures

In Nghe An province, the inspection team conducted field checks at GO! Nghe An Supermarket and Nghe An Petroleum Company (Petrolimex Nghe An). The inspections showed that major distributors in the area have proactively prepared supply plans well in advance, ensuring readiness to meet heightened shopping demand during the year-end peak season.

According to the Nghe An Department of Industry and Trade, more than 15 businesses are currently participating in the Tet market stabilization and stockpiling program, with total goods valued at an estimated VND 10 trillion. These products are distributed through thousands of retail outlets across the province, helping to ensure widespread supply coverage and prevent localized buying surges.

Many businesses have significantly increased their stockpiles compared with the previous Lunar New Year. Specifically, GO! Vinh has reserved goods worth over VND 144 billion, up 21.6%; the Lotte Mart system has stockpiled more than VND 52 billion, an increase of 48%; and Nam Long Trading Joint Stock Company has prepared cooking oil and instant noodles valued at approximately VND 81 billion, up 17.4%. All businesses have committed to maintaining stable prices while rolling out appropriate promotional programs to stimulate consumption without disrupting the market.

Regarding petroleum products, wholesalers and distributors in the province have built up reserves totaling around 208,150 cubic meters, equivalent to nearly VND 3.7 trillion. This volume is considered sufficient to meet both consumer and production needs throughout the Tet holiday, even in the event of a sudden surge in demand.

The inspection team highly commended Nghe An for its early and coordinated implementation of market stabilization measures, closely aligned with peak-period plans to prevent smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods. Based on on-the-ground monitoring, the local market is operating smoothly, with no signs of shortages, supply disruptions, or unreasonable price increases for essential goods.

Speaking at the working sessions, Nguyen Thuy Hien, Deputy Director of the Domestic Market Management and Development Department, acknowledged the proactive and responsible efforts of the Departments of Industry and Trade of Ha Tinh and Nghe An in market regulation, price stabilization, and supply assurance for the 2026 Year of the Horse Lunar New Year. She also urged local authorities to continue close coordination with relevant agencies to promptly address any bottlenecks in goods circulation and transportation, particularly during the peak days leading up to Tet.

Following the inspections, the head of the delegation noted that supplies in both localities are generally abundant and markets remain stable. Any price fluctuations observed are in line with normal supply–demand dynamics and have not created pressure points. The leadership of the Domestic Market Management and Development Department reaffirmed its commitment to accompanying and supporting localities, maintaining intensive inspections and controls before, during, and after Tet to ensure a safe and stable market that fully meets consumer demand.