Kottayam: People who went out to purchase Jasmine flowers on Sunday were in for a shock. The price for a cubit of the much adored jasmine was Rs 200 while a kilogram of the flower cost Rs 6,000! This has not really happened before. Vendors claim that the flower price has been skyrocketing since the last two months. 

The prices escalate especially during the winter season. For example, in November last year, the prices hovered around Rs 500-Rs 600. The prices increased further in the month of December, leaving the customers in disarray. 

The harsh winters which affected the flower cultivation in areas including Coimbatore, Sathyamangalam, Madurai and Tenkasi is the primary reason for the ordeal.

Similarly, lotus flower prices also increased over the weekend.