As the 15-day nationwide social distancing period begins today, supplies of consumer goods remain abundant across markets and retail chains in Hanoi to meet growing demands of local people.

A quick survey on markets and grocery stores in Hanoi on March 31 showed the number of customers going to buy food and basic necessities nearly tripled compared to previous days.

People rush to stockplie basic necessities.

In wet markets, prices of some goods rose by 10 – 15% from a day earlier due to people buying food in large quantities, while in super markets and major stores, prices remained stable.

In wet markets, prices of some goods rose by 10 – 15% day-on-day.

Abundant supplies of goods at Nghia Tan market.

An executive of Hanoi Trade Corporation (Hapro) said super markets stay open during the social distancing period and ensure full supplies for customers. Hapro’s representative urged people to stay calm and refrain from shopping at rush hours to minimize the risk of virus transmission.

MM Mega Market Ha Dong.

A representative of MM Mega Market said during this period, this super market chain has increased its inventories of basic necessities, such as rice, meat, vegetables, dried foodstuffs and seafood by 40% compared to previous days.

Vinmart Nguyen Chi Thanh.

Vice Director of Hanoi’s Department of Industry and Trade Tran Thi Phuong Lan said Hanoi plans to increase the supply of consumer goods by 30 – 50% in April compared to previous months.

With such abundant goods, the department is committed to meeting growing shopping demand of local people, Lan said.

Supermarkets ensure full supplies of goods for customers.

Inventories of retail firms are capable of ensuring supply for Hanoi’s market in 60 – 90 days with estimated costs of VND174 trillion (US$7.48 billion).

Tran Duy Dong, director of the Department of Domestic Market under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, told local media all 63 provinces/cities have prepared plans to deal with various scenarios of the pandemic.

Dong stated during the 15-day social distancing period, all super markets and transportation of goods remain operational as usual.