Hyderabad: Roses were 10 times costlier than usual in the retail markets ahead of Friday’s Varalakshmi Vratam. The prices of all flowers were up by two to five times.
Roses in cut flower category were available at Rs 40 per kg when the month of Sravanam began, and reached Rs 240 in the wholesale markets on Thursday. The cost of loose roses rose from Rs 40 to Rs 100 per kg. Both were retailing at Rs 25 per 50 grams.
Chamanthi hit a record of Rs 500 per kg in wholesale markets and was being sold for Rs 50 per 50 grams in retail markets. On July 25, when the month of Sravanam began, chamanthi was available at Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kg.
Jasmines, used to prepare garlands for Goddess Lakshmi, were going at Rs 500 a kg in wholesale markets and a small garland was available at Rs 100. The flower cost Rs 60 a kg last week. Kanakambralu, which women wear during the festival, was four times costlier at Rs 240 per kg.
Mr L. Sunder, a flower trader at the Poolbagh wholesale market, said that except marigold, the prices of all the other flowers had risen. He said this was caused by rise in demand and insufficient supply from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and other districts in Telangana state.
“We are expecting normalcy in prices from Saturday but price rise may be experienced on Mondays and Thursdays till the end of Sravanam,” he said.
Mr Mohan Sana of Mama Flowers in Phoolbagh said that the prices were dependant on category and demand. “When we tried to bargain, the vendors advised us to come on Saturday,” said Ms B.R. Tulasi, a customer from Amberpet.
