Bengaluru: Festive demand sends prices soaring
As the Gowri-Ganesha festival approaches on August 27, markets across Bengaluru are witnessing a steep rise in the prices of flowers and fruits. Traders attribute the surge to high festive demand coupled with erratic supply in recent weeks, a pattern that has become routine during major city celebrations.
Jasmine at record prices, tube roses four times costlier
On Sunday, jasmine touched ₹3,800 per kg, with small quantities of 10 grams selling for as high as ₹40, one of the highest prices seen this season. Tube roses, available in wholesale markets like KR Market for ₹120–₹150 per kg, were retailing at ₹400 per kg in areas such as Basavanagudi and Jayanagar.
“Compared to Varamahalakshmi or Dasara, these prices are still on the lower side, but for consumers, the pinch is real,” said Manjunath, member of the Flower Merchants’ Association.
Fruits also see steep hikes
It is not only flowers that have turned dearer. Yelakki bananas are retailing at ₹160 per kg, while oranges cost ₹200 per kg. Apples have climbed to ₹240–₹260 per kg, each priced at least ₹30–₹40 higher than earlier in the week.
Coconuts and other banana varieties, both essential for puja rituals, are costlier by ₹40 per piece. Vendors explained that families preparing for the festival are compelled to bear the higher costs, as these items are indispensable for religious offerings.
Supply disruption from neighbouring states
Vendors at KR Market and Malleswaram pointed to reduced arrivals from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, where heavy rains disrupted transport and supplies.
“Truckloads of flowers usually come in daily, but the last few weeks have seen smaller quantities reaching Bengaluru. When supply tightens and demand peaks before festivals, rates shoot up,” said Mutthu M, a wholesale trader at KR Market.
The spike in fruit prices, according to vendors, is also linked to higher procurement costs at mandis outside Karnataka, coupled with transport delays. Retailers said they had little choice but to pass on the burden to consumers.
Families adjust shopping plans
Shoppers at city markets on Sunday said they were cutting down on quantities or opting for cheaper substitutes. Many also reported comparing prices on online grocery apps to manage household budgets amid the surge.
Despite the high prices, traders expect demand to remain strong through the festival week, driven by the cultural significance of flowers and fruits in rituals.