With several VVIPs visiting the city to attend the swearing-in of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday, it had a telling effect on the flowers market as prices skyrocketed.
A host of Chief Ministers, Union Ministers and Ministers of neighbouring States, MPs, MLAs, MLCs, film actors, industrialists and other guests arrived in the city to take part in the mega event. Heavy rush was seen at the flower stalls since Saturday night as the party workers made beeline for the stalls to buy garlands and bouquets. Adding to the VVIP rush, poor transportation due to traffic restrictions imposed by the police hit the market creating shortage of flowers, said the stall owners.
“On Saturday night, we sold a pair of garlands for Rs.600 to Rs.800 and bouquets at Rs.200 to Rs.500. There were no stocks on Sunday due to traffic restriction,” said G. Siva Shankar, owner of Rama Flower Stall.
“The demand for loose flowers and garlands was also high near the temples as many VVIPs visited the shrines. The price of jasmine is about Rs.150, roses and lily Rs.60 per basket,” said M. Siva Reddy, a wholesale flower trader.
Even the demand for flower petals was good as the party activists purchased them to welcome their leaders. As there was shortage of flowers we could not send stocks to the neighbouring districts, which we used to do daily, said Mr. Reddy.
