Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang urged closer monitoring and analysis of market price movements, particularly for essential goods, to promptly introduce measures that ensure smooth market operations and keep inflation under control ahead of, during and after Tet. — VNA/VNS
HANOI: The Finance Ministry has called for stronger price management before, during and after Tet, the Lunar New Year, to prevent abnormal fluctuations during the peak holiday period when consumer demand typically surges.
Finance Minister Nguyen Van Thang, in Directive 03/CT-BTC issued recently, urged closer monitoring and analysis of market price movements, particularly for essential goods, to promptly introduce measures that ensure smooth market operations and keep inflation under control ahead of, during and after Tet.
The directive also stresses the need to closely track global economic and political developments, inflation trends and external factors that could put pressure on domestic prices, while regularly updating assessments of supply and demand in the local market.
Stricter enforcement against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods was also ordered, alongside tighter oversight of price listing and declaration, tax compliance and tax refunds to prevent violations that could undermine market stability.
In addition, the ministry asked for stronger price forecasting and analysis, including the development of inflation scenarios for 2026, and closer coordination with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure smooth circulation of goods and a balance between supply and demand.
Reports on price management must be submitted to the ministry’s Price Management Department by Feb 11 to enable timely measures to stabilise the market for Tet.
The ministry said the domestic market remained largely stable in 2025, with ample supplies of essential goods and generally steady prices.
Falling fuel prices in particular helped ease costs for businesses and supported social stability, it added.
Seven inspection teams formed to ensure market stability ahead of Tet.
Separately, the Industry and Trade Ministry has set up seven inspection teams to monitor goods supply and market stability during the Tet shopping season amid heightened risks of smuggling, counterfeit goods and price manipulation.
The teams will operate from Jan 9 to March 15, with inspections concentrated in January, when consumption demand is highest, and risks of hoarding, speculation and food safety violations increase.
Inspections will include on-site checks at warehouses, markets, supermarkets, border gates and remote areas, with particular attention paid to food safety, fuel supply and the enforcement capacity of local market surveillance forces. — Viet Nam News/ANN
