Traders cheer high flower prices

CHENNAI: Pongal eve saw business boom for flower vendors as low stock fuelled high demand in the city on Friday.Customers were seen haggling with traders as prices of flowers like Lilly, Marigold and Jasmine went up five- fold due to high demand.Koyambedu Wholesale Flower Market Association secretary Mookiah said, the availability of flowers on Friday was only two tonnes as against the usual four tonnes. He attributed this to stock hoarding. While most flowers were earlier sold for Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg,  Marigolds are now being sold for Rs 80-Rs 100 per kg while Lilies are priced at Rs  60 to Rs 75 per kg. “This is a Pongal bonanza for us,” said a trader.