Businesses deploy flexible measures to stabilize prices

Amid fluctuations in fuel prices, the trade and service sectors are stepping up adaptive measures to mitigate impacts, gradually stabilizing business operations and retaining customers.

Consumers shop for food products at Co.opmart Dong Xoai Supermarket in Binh Phuoc ward. Photo: Hai Quan

In recent times, rising input costs, particularly fuel prices and transportation fees, have significantly affected enterprises in the retail and service sectors.

Businesses rebalance operating costs

Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang, Director of An Phu Truong Thinh Co., Ltd. in Tam Hiep ward, a company specializing in passenger transport and tourism services, said fuel costs currently account for around 40% of the company’s total operating expenses. Therefore, persistent fluctuations in petrol and oil prices, driven by global market developments, have had a considerable impact on its business operations. The company is therefore recalculating and rebalancing its cost structure to sustain operations and retain customers.

Alongside the transport sector, businesses and household operators in the food and beverage (F&B) industry are among the most heavily affected by rising prices. Volatility in fuel and gas prices, coupled with increases in input materials, has forced enterprises to adopt flexible solutions to either maintain selling prices or implement reasonable adjustments.

Nguyen Anh Vu, Manager of the Nha Doi restaurant chain in Tran Bien ward, noted that higher fuel and transportation costs have driven up prices of raw materials and auxiliary inputs. This feature has directly impacted both operating costs and revenues across the chain. He added that this is a common challenge facing many service businesses, particularly in the F&B sector. The chain expects fuel prices, especially gas prices, to stabilize in the near future, easing cost pressures on enterprises.

In response, the Dong Nai People’s Committee issued Official Dispatch No. 4604/UBND-KTNS dated March 25, 2026, on strengthening the management and stabilization of fuel, raw material, and construction material prices. Under the directive, the Department of Industry and Trade has been assigned to take the lead, in coordination with relevant departments, in intensifying inspections and supervision of price compliance. Authorities are also required to strictly enforce laws against hoarding, speculation, price manipulation, and the dissemination of misleading information that could disrupt the market.

Seeking ways to overcome challenges

To maintain operations and gradually overcome difficulties amid today's volatile market conditions, businesses and trading establishments have proactively stepped up measures to optimize operational processes, reduce unnecessary direct operating costs, and accelerate the application of technology to save costs and improve operational efficiency.

According to Nguyen Anh Vu, the restaurant chain is striving to maintain operations across its six branches by tightening expenditures, limiting unnecessary fuel usage, and accepting reduced profit margins, while minimizing additional costs to stabilize prices and retain customers.

Nguyen Thi Huyen Trang added that her company has streamlined operational processes, reduced intermediary costs, and adjusted pricing flexibly. At the same time, it has actively reorganized transport schedules and enhanced the application of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve efficiency and reduce costs, thereby maintaining stable operations under current conditions.

In the retail sector, supermarkets, convenience store chains, and traditional markets across the province have actively implemented price stabilization measures. These include transparent price listing, selling at listed prices, and launching promotional campaigns to stimulate consumer demand.

The GO! supermarket system, including GO! Dong Nai and GO! Tan Hiep recently launched the “Always unbeatable prices” program from late March through the end of June 2026. The initiative aims to contribute to market stabilization amid rising fuel costs, while offering consumers a more transparent and reassuring shopping experience. The program covers around 20,000 items across fast-moving consumer goods, household products, and daily essentials.

Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Communications Director of Central Retail Vietnam, which operates the GO! supermarket chain, said the system’s priority is to ensure that consumers’ shopping baskets are not significantly affected by market fluctuations, particularly rising fuel prices. The “Always unbeatable prices” program is a practical effort to help share the burden of rising costs and provide greater peace of mind for shoppers.

Meanwhile, Nguyen Danh Thinh, Director of Phuong Lam Trade and Service Cooperative, which manages Phuong Lam Market in Phu Lam commune, noted that food supplies, especially vegetables, remain abundant. Market management boards have been actively encouraging traders to stabilize prices, ensure sufficient supply, and strictly comply with price listing regulations. These efforts aim to improve service quality and retain consumers, particularly in the current volatile market conditions.

By H.Quan – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho