Workers' incomes increased by 9.1%, but price pressures remain.

However, improved income does not necessarily mean that the lives of all households are less difficult. Rising prices of goods and services, along with adverse impacts from natural disasters, climate change, and epidemics, continue to put pressure on people's spending.

According to a survey by the statistical agency, in the past nine months, 37.9% of households experienced at least one event that negatively impacted their lives. Within this group, 35.9% were affected by rising prices of goods and services; 7.5% were impacted by natural disasters and climate change; and 3.6% were negatively affected by diseases affecting crops and livestock.

Ms. Nguyen Thu Oanh, Head of the Service and Price Statistics Department (General Statistics Office), said that the upward price pressure in the first nine months of the year was concentrated in three main groups: food and food services; housing, electricity, water, fuel and construction materials; and transportation.

Specifically, the food and beverage group increased by an average of 4.72%, contributing 1.69 percentage points to the overall CPI increase. This trend stemmed from rising raw material and labor costs and increasing consumer demand. Pork prices alone increased by 4.46% due to limited supply during holidays and high breeding costs; the price of dining out increased by 7.14%.

The housing, utilities, fuel, and building materials group recorded a 6.68% increase, contributing 1.52 percentage points to the CPI. Prices of home maintenance materials increased by 13.07% amidst rising construction material prices and increased demand for home construction and repairs. Meanwhile, household electricity prices rose by 4.35% due to high electricity demand during the hot months.

For the transportation group, the average increase reached 6.06%, contributing 0.60 percentage points to the overall CPI. Fuel prices alone increased by 10.89%. Healthcare and education service prices also contributed to the increase in the consumer price index.

Assessing the outlook for the remaining months of 2026 and 2027, Ms. Nguyen Thu Oanh pointed out three groups of factors that could continue to put pressure on price levels.

Firstly, energy and raw material prices on the world market may fluctuate due to geopolitical tensions, while transportation and logistics costs remain high.

Secondly, consumer, production, and travel demand typically increase seasonally during year-end holidays and festivals, putting additional pressure on prices.

Thirdly, fluctuations in exchange rates and the prices of imported raw materials are likely to increase input costs, thereby impacting domestic production costs.

To mitigate price pressure, representatives from the General Statistics Office emphasized the need to ensure domestic supply of goods. Simultaneously, the government needs to proactively manage the prices of essential goods such as electricity and fuel, while coordinating fiscal and monetary policies to contribute to market stability.

QH (according to VNA)