Flower prices, especially rose prices, have skyrocketed across Bangladesh as the country is celebrating Pohela Falgun and Valentine's Day together on Tuesday.
The prices have reportedly increased three to four-fold in the last couple of days.
A single rose is being sold for Tk100-110 in Comilla, whereas it was just Tk10-15 four days, traders have said.
Comilla florists say that since Pohela Falgun and Valentine's Day are on the same day, the demand for roses has increased significantly.
Meanwhile, buyers who went to the district were surprised to see the prices. They complained that the traders were taking the opportunity of the demand and making more profit out of it.
In addition to red roses, Chinese yellow and white roses were also selling well. The yellow roses were priced at Tk110, up from Tk15, while the white roses were priced at Tk90, previously sold at Tk20.
Apart from roses, florists have also increased the prices of marigolds, chrysanthemums, gypsies, and tuberoses. However, since the demand for these flowers is relatively low, no buyers were seen complaining about their prices.
Dhaka TribuneMeanwhile, shoppers were observed bargaining over roses at every stall, and many opted to buy fewer stems due to the high prices.
A buyer, Rifa Tasnia Moutusi, said: Earlier I used to buy roses for Tk15, now I bought them for Tk100. I thought I would take many, but took only three.”
She added the flower garlands were also being sold at a higher price than usual. “A few days ago plastic flower garlands were available for Tk150, now all the shops are selling them for Tk200.”
Moutushi noted that the high prices had ruined the joy of Pohela Falgun and Valentine's day for many people.
Md Faruk, who has worked at a flower shop in Comilla's Newmarket area for over 12 years, explained that they must stock flowers at least a week in advance of an occasion to ensure availability.
"If not, we cannot get any flowers. As wholesalers know the demand, they raise their prices. So, we are unable to do anything about it. Since we purchase the flowers at a higher price, we must also sell them at a higher price," he added.
Dhaka TribuneMeanwhile, in Jhenaidah, flowers are sold at two to three times higher prices than at other times. The local markets have become overheated with the prices of flowers.
In the wholesale markets, the price of a single rose is Tk28-32, whereas the retail price is Tk35-50.
Just one to two weeks ago, these roses were sold for Tk8-12. Besides, gerbera flowers were being sold for Tk10-15. Which was only Tk3-4 just two weeks ago.
Florists in the district stated that they need to make advance preparations for any national events, particularly during February and March.
They also mentioned that they are also preparing for International Mother Language Day, on February 21.