Prices of flowers skyrocket in most markets, thanks to Vinayaka Chathurthi

On Tuesday, at the flower market in Coimbatore, jasmine was sold at Rs 900 per kg as against Rs 150 to 200 last week. Similarly, pink jasmine was sold at Rs 800 as against Rs 150 a week ago. Sampangi (champak) that is usually preferred for Vinayaga Chathurthi was sold at Rs 600 as compared to Rs 100 previously. Arali (Nerium oleander) was available at Rs 300 as against Rs 80 and the rate of button rose was doubled to 300. 

The prices of flowers, which slumped due to poor Onam sales, shot up now for the upcoming festival. Sources said that the flower prices are likely to remain the same or may even go up further until Ayutha Pooja.

The flower sellers at the market said that the prices fluctuated since morning depending on the crowd. “About 30 to 40 tonnes of flowers were sold at the market on a daily basis. Traders here do a business for about 50 lakhs. Flower sales were good so far for this festival season,” said Arun Shankar, a member of Flower Traders Welfare Association.  

A resident opined that the retail prices of flowers are even higher. “The prices are high, but jasmine sold by a flower vendor in our neighbourhood wasn’t fresh. Though it was not fresh, the seller refused to bring down the price,” said N Subbulakshmi, a homemaker from Ramanathapuram. She further added that prices of fruits were increased too.