The prices of roses for this year's Valentine's Day have
rocketed by half on a year-to-year basis in Shanghai, as severe
weather unseen in decades that swept through southern China around
the Spring Festival has affected both the growth and transportation
of the "buds of love."
Demand for flowers this year is predicated to be especially high
as the lover's day coincides with a special lucky day for visiting
relatives and friends on the Chinese lunar calendar, the
Shanghai-based Youth Daily reported.
Flower markets and shops in the eastern China metropolis are
busily replenishing their stocks, but many are having trouble
getting enough supply.
"We really fear that roses will be out of stock on that day." A
worker at a flower shop said.
The short supply has caused the prices for roses and other
flowers to surge. An ordinary red rose, which was usually sold at 5
to 8 yuan (0.69 to 1.11 U.S. dollars) last year, is sold at a price
of 10 yuan (1.38 U.S. dollars) this year.
Some types of roses are even sold at three times that of last
year.
Insiders revealed that on Valentine's Day, the price will
increase another 30 percent based on the current price.
(CRIENGLISH.com February 13, 2008)