BENGALURU: On the eve of Varamahalakshmi Vratha festival, the prices of vegetables, fruits and flowers sky-rocketed, leaving big holes in the pockets of city’s residents. Preparing for the festival on Friday, many shoppers had no option but to shell out the asking price.
The prices of the flowers witnessed such a drastic rise as the inflow of flowers to the city has also reduced considerably.
Crossandra, a flower generally used during the celebration, was priced multiple times higher than its usual price at Rs 2,000 a kg. The same flowers woven were being sold at nearly Rs 100 a metre on Thursday.
Prices of other flowers such as jasmine, marigold, rose and lotus also witnessed a rise.
In case of fruits and vegetables, the scenario was no different.
Shopkeepers in the City Market said that the rise in prices was expected, but as supply of flowers had come down, the prices went up more than expected. Prices of fruits, vegetables and flowers witnessed around 30-35 per cent hike.
The price of apple was increased to Rs 240 a kg from Rs 150. Pomegranate was priced at Rs 148 a kg.
Shopkeepers from residential areas were seen in huge numbers at the market, as they had to stock up for the festival.
“We usually sell the vegetables and fruits sourced from here at a minimum of 20-30 per cent profit margin at residential areas,” a vegetable and fruit shopkeeper said.