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

记者走访京城花卉市场 情人节将来临玫瑰价格涨

本周即将迎来情人节。昨天，记者走访京城花卉市场发现，玫瑰等鲜花价格近期出现“暴涨”，一支最普通的玫瑰花卖到12元左右，相比往年同期上涨五成，也达到近年来历史最高价格。商户表示，今年花卉价格上涨是因节前的云南雪灾以及情人节临近等双重原因造成。据介绍，很多商户目前开始预订销售玫瑰花，而如果情人节前两天购买，玫瑰的价格还将有小幅上涨。[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.