HANOI -- Vietnam's parliament has asked the government to investigate gold trading firms for possible market manipulation amid soaring domestic prices, state media reported on Tuesday. A tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces, and domestic prices for a tael are approximately $1,000 more than current global prices . "The National Assembly Standing Committee requested the Government to direct relevant agencies to focus on inspecting and examining gold trading enterprises to clarify if there are market manipulation acts," state-run Vietnam News Agency reported. Under the 2012 regulations aimed at stabilising prices, the central bank has a monopoly on the production and import of gold, while Saigon Jewelry Company (SJC) is the sole manufacturer of SJC-branded bullion. However, local businesses have urged the central bank to amend the regulations to increase liquidity and bring down prices.