The Ministry of Finance has just asked relevant agencies to curb the soaring prices of essential goods and services.

Vegetable prices increase after storm

According to the ministry, the now stable inflation rate is threatening to rise again while storm season is still going on, and the threat of animal diseases is still strong, and must be watched carefully.

The ministry also predicted that medical fees and prices of several commodities would rise when the new school year starts, on the National Day September 2, and during the last months of the year, when people start preparing for Tet Holida.

After the storms passed and inflicted damages on many localities, vegetable prices have been on a steady rise due to their scarcity.

Local authorities were asked to direct local departments of finance, health as well as police and customs agencies and enterprises, to try and keep prices stable.

The authorities must tightly monitor the market and CPI in order to create suitable measures for price stabilisation.

Individuals and organisations that take advantage of the situation to increase  prices unreasonably will be strictly dealt with.

Meanwhile, the electricity price increased by 5% on August 1. The Ministry of Industry and Trade suggested letting the wholesalers hike fuel retail prices by the maximum of 5%.