Higher demand for lemons, ash gourds, and flowers ahead of Mahanavami and Vijayadashami has led to the prices of these festival essentials, along with a few other fruits, skyrocket in Bengaluru. Most vendors pointed out that a low supply owing to weather-induced reasons and an increased demand have become a pattern this festive season.
Shiv Kumar, a vendor in Kodihalli, said: “Due to an increase in demand for lemons and ash gourds which are used for puja, their prices have gone up from ₹80 per dozen to ₹150 to ₹200 per dozen and ₹40 per kg to ₹50 to ₹60 per kg respectively. Banana plants now cost between ₹55 and ₹60 per piece, up from about ₹30 to ₹35 previously. We purchase these things at exorbitant costs, which occasionally affects our profit margins.”
Lokesh Reddy, owner of a flower and vegetable shop in Koramangala, said: “Popular flowers like rose, jasmine, kanakambra, marigold, and sevanthige (chrysanthemums) previously cost between ₹60 and ₹90 per kg and now they are selling for ₹200 and ₹300. We frequently find ourselves with little time to negotiate because of the flood of customers at this time”.
