Editor’s Note
As the Lunar New Year holiday continues, market activity shows signs of revival, though consumer spending remains subdued compared to pre-holiday levels. This brief report captures the tentative resumption of commerce on the third day of the Year of the Horse.
On the third day of the Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse 2026), the nationwide commodity market became lively again after the first two days of the holiday, although the overall purchasing power remained significantly lower compared to the peak period before Tet.
The distribution system has resumed operations, and goods are abundantly available. From the morning of the third day of the Lunar New Year, commercial infrastructure across the country has become more active. Many large supermarkets and shopping malls such as Saigon Co-op, Central Retail, MM Mega Market, Lotte Mart, AEON, WinMart, GO! and AEON Mall have reopened simultaneously, implementing numerous promotional programs to encourage consumers to shop at the beginning of the year while maintaining sufficient supply.
In local markets, the number of stalls has increased significantly compared to the first and second days of Tet. Convenience stores remained open throughout the festival, meeting people’s flexible shopping needs. Overall, the circulation of goods continued smoothly, with no disruptions in supply or any type of local shortage recorded.
According to reports from various regions, consumer demand today is mainly focused on fresh foods such as green vegetables, seafood, pork, and beef to fulfill meals at the beginning of the year. Additionally, demand for items used for spiritual purposes such as fresh flowers, fruits for offerings, and incense-burning materials remains stable.
In terms of prices, the market has remained relatively stable compared to the period before the Lunar New Year (Tet). Minor increases have only occurred at some small retail shops. Prices in supermarket chains are fixed, and many items are also being discounted or promoted, maintaining consumer confidence. Overall, supply and demand are balanced, and the market is operating according to normal rules.
Before the Lunar New Year, local authorities and businesses began preparing goods for the holiday season, closely following market demand forecasts. The total value of stored goods increased by approximately 10-15% compared to a normal month. In some large distribution companies, inventories of essential goods increased by 20-40%, ensuring no shortages under any circumstances.
Supply is mainly focused on food, fresh and processed foods, confectionery, beverages, gasoline, and essential consumer goods. Regional connections and the relationship between local supply and demand, particularly between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces and cities, are being strengthened, promoting the consumption of regional specialties and OCOP products to meet festival and Tet (Lunar New Year) needs.
Market stabilization programs have also been widely implemented. So far, 34 provinces and cities have issued plans or reports on the program’s implementation. In Hanoi, 19 units are participating with nearly 10,700 sales points; in Ho Chi Minh City, over 89 units are participating, with the market share of stabilized goods ranging from 23% to 43% depending on the product group, enabling them to regulate the market when needed. Businesses are committed to selling at prices 5-10% lower than market prices and maintaining stable prices before, during, and after Tet (Lunar New Year).
Regarding petroleum products, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has set a minimum total supply for 2026 at approximately 31.8 million cubic meters/tons, averaging about 2.65 million cubic meters/tons per month, ensuring the fulfillment of economic growth targets and consumer demand. Wholesale and distribution traders are required to maintain operational inventories according to regulations, ensuring sufficient supply for the retail system and preventing any disruptions in supply, including local interruptions.
According to reports from Departments of Industry and Trade, as of February 19, 2026, the nationwide retail petrol station system is operating smoothly with no cases of illegal closures, speculation, hoarding, or unreasonable price increases. Retail prices are being applied according to the price adjustment period of February 12, 2026, and businesses are strictly following price listings and selling at correct prices.
In addition to ensuring supply, market management forces are conducting comprehensive inspection and control campaigns before, during, and after Tet, focusing on essential goods, food, alcoholic beverages, confectionery, tobacco, cosmetics, electronics, firecrackers, etc. Monitoring is being extended to business activities in warehouses, storage centers, wholesale markets, shopping centers, and e-commerce environments.
During the reporting period, the market was generally stable, and no major incidents related to smuggling, counterfeit goods, or large-scale food safety violations were recorded. No cases of illegal firecracker trading were reported.
On the fourth day of the Lunar New Year and the following days, many supermarkets, grocery stores, and traditional markets will reopen with a wider variety of goods. However, no significant increase in purchasing power is expected as people are still on holiday. Consumer demand will remain focused on fresh food, vegetables, and fruits; food services and tourism activities will be more vibrant in major cities, tourist destinations, and temples.
