Rose prices soar to record high ahead of Valentine's Day  

記者走訪京城花卉市場 情人節將來臨玫瑰價格漲

本周即將迎來情人節。昨天，記者走訪京城花卉市場發現，玫瑰等鮮花價格近期出現“暴漲”，一支最普通的玫瑰花賣到12元左右，相比往年同期上漲五成，也達到近年來歷史最高價格。商戶表示，今年花卉價格上漲是因節前的云南雪災以及情人節臨近等雙重原因造成。據介紹，很多商戶目前開始預訂銷售玫瑰花，而如果情人節前兩天購買，玫瑰的價格還將有小幅上漲。[查看全文]

(ECNS) -- Due to a spike in demand and short supply, prices of cut roses have increased by 50 percent to a record high before Valentine's Day, the Beijing Times reported.

At a wholesale market in east Beijing, one cut rose normally costs 3 yuan ($0.49), but now sells for 12 to 20 yuan. Imported roses are priced as high as 350 yuan each.

Prices of flowers used as ornaments in bouquets have also gone through the roof.

In past years, demand has pushed up rose prices by 10 to 15 percent, a florist said, but this year the price is increased by more than 50 percent, compared with past years.

Florists said they have been receiving fewer flowers, as snowfall in south China, especially in Yunnan province, has brought down production of flowers in recent weeks.

With supplies cut by two thirds, they estimated that high prices will persist till Feb 14.