Gradually stabilizing consumer goods and service prices

Gasoline and oil prices have declined by 30–45% compared to three months ago. Specifically, the price of E5 RON 92 gasoline stands at VND19,191 per liter, E10 RON 95-III gasoline at VND20,003 per liter, and diesel oil at VND21,745 per liter.

Consumers shop for food at a supermarket in Long Binh Ward, Dong Nai City. Photo: Lam Phuong

As fuel prices decline, consumers expect the prices of goods and services to follow suit, helping ease household spending pressure.

Some goods remain "anchored" in price

A survey conducted at several traditional markets and grocery stores in the central wards of Dong Nai City shows that over the past month, the prices of many goods have remained "anchored" at the same levels as they were three months ago, when fuel prices peaked. Many small traders said prices have remained high because transportation expenses are still elevated, while the prices of many products also depend on supply sources.

Bui Thi Hong, a pork vendor at Bien Hoa Market in Tran Bien Ward, said pork prices have remained unchanged over the past month, while retail purchasing power has declined, and most of the meat sold at her stall is now supplied wholesale to food service businesses. Pork belly is currently sold at VND140,000–150,000 per kilogram, young ribs at VND170,000 per kilogram, and pork chops and lean pork at around VND100,000 per kilogram.

Le Van Manh, Head of the Dong Xoai Market Management Group under the Binh Phuoc Ward General Service Center, said the market currently has an abundant food supply, and purchasing power is gradually becoming more stable than before. Despite lower fuel prices, the prices of some food items, including meat, fish and seafood, remain "anchored" at relatively high levels compared to previous months. The Market Management Group is currently focusing on urging traders to list prices and sell goods according to those prices.

Not only food and consumer goods but also many services continue to be priced at high levels, despite declining fuel costs. Hoai Anh, a resident of Trang Dai Ward, said that although fuel prices have fallen, the prices of some food items at markets and food service establishments have not decreased accordingly, affecting consumers' spending habits and household expenses.

Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, Director of An Phu Truong Thinh Co., Ltd. in Tam Hiep Ward, which operates passenger transport, tourism, and airline ticket agency services, said ticket prices for many domestic and international flights, including routes from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Noi, Da Nang, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An, remain high and have not declined significantly compared to three months ago. Meanwhile, demand for air tickets has also decreased as many people tighten their spending. For passenger transport services, the company is implementing various solutions to stabilize ticket prices and diversify its services to retain customers and improve competitiveness.

Measures to stabilize the market

Many supermarkets and markets across the city have proactively introduced price stabilization measures and promotional programs, particularly for vegetables, meat, seafood, and processed foods. However, overall purchasing power remains moderate, with consumer demand mainly concentrated on weekends.

Bich Le, a food vendor at Bien Hoa Market, said consumption has recently declined as consumers have become more cautious with their spending. To retain customers, the stall has had to carefully balance operating costs to keep selling prices stable. She added that the recent decline in fuel prices, especially gas prices, has helped ease cost pressures.

Pham Thanh Long, owner of a coffee shop in Long Binh Ward, said the food and beverage service sector is facing strong competitive pressure while input costs, including ingredients and rent, continue to rise. Therefore, the shop must proactively balance operating costs and maintain stable selling prices to retain customers and improve competitiveness.

Le Duc Thuan, Director of Lotte Mart Dong Nai in Long Binh Ward, said the supermarket has proactively implemented various promotional and incentive programs to stimulate consumption while maintaining stable prices for essential goods and food products. According to Thuan, early signing of contracts with suppliers has enabled the supermarket to maintain stable prices for many products, helping reduce spending pressure on consumers.

Nguyen Van Phuc, Head of the Dong Nai Market Management Sub-Department under the Department of Industry and Trade, said the market management force regularly inspects compliance with regulations on price listing and adherence to listed prices at markets and service establishments across the city. At the same time, the force strengthens legal communication and dissemination among business organizations and individuals to raise awareness of compliance with legal regulations, contributing to market stabilization and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of consumers. The communication focuses on regulations concerning price listing, invoices and supporting documents, and food safety.

According to the Dong Nai Statistics Office, the consumer price index (CPI) in June 2026 declined by 0.85% compared to the previous month. Five of the 11 major groups of goods and services had lower price indexes than in the previous month. Among them, the transportation group posted the sharpest decline, falling by 4.15%, mainly due to lower domestic fuel prices following global market trends. Meanwhile, several groups recorded higher price indexes than the previous month, including beverages and tobacco; clothing, hats, and footwear; household appliances and goods; medicine and medical services; information and communications; and education.

By Lam Phuong – Translated by Minh Hong, Thu Ha