Roses cost six times more during Valentine’s week in Mumbai

A rose that would otherwise cost Rs20 was being sold at Rs 120 each, but only if bought by dozen

Valentine’s Day celebrations became expensive as price of roses spiked to six times the normal cost.

A hanging heart installation put up at Shivaji Park in Dadar on Monday attracts passers-by. (Satyabrata Tripathu/HT)

A rose that would otherwise cost Rs20 was being sold at Rs 120 each, but only if bought by dozen. “We sell one rose at Rs150. If one wants a bouquet, we can adjust the price to around Rs100-120 for each rose,” said Kunjlal Nalavade, a florist at a flower market in Mumbai.

Florists say the Valentine’s week is a boom period for them and that the sales have kept increasing over the years. “All thanks to youngsters, our business during the second week of February reaches new heights,” said Surekha Khairwar, another florist at Dadar market.

Although other gifts have not remained as popular, roses have retained the favourite tag. The demand for greeting cards has dropped significantly over the years. “Cards have become cliché now. There are so many other things available which one can gift their partner that can be of use too. Cards are just to keep in the cupboard as a memory,” said Shweta Sonigara, 22, a psychology student and a Malad resident.

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