Food prices in Shenzhen have risen 12 percent in the past year due to floods and storms across the country, according to the city's produce markets yesterday (July 27).
Despite a slight decrease last week, wholesale prices for vegetables have increased a steep 12.4 percent over the same period of last year. Prices of peppers, beans and eggplants were expected to rise further in the coming months.
"Most of these vegetables are from provinces such as Hunan and Jiangxi, which are hit by floods, so supply has dropped," said Lin Shaoru, a manager from Buji Farm Produce Wholesale Market, the city's largest of its kind.
The wholesale price of pork has increased by 16 RMB per kilogram since the beginning of July. Lin said the retail price for pork could rise to 18 RMB per kilogram in the next two to three months.
Lin said the rise was due to price hikes in corn, the main ingredient in pig feed. "In addition, floods blocked roads in Hunan and Jiangxi, so pigs could not be transported to Shenzhen," he said.
Garlic price was also up, at 15 RMB per kilogram an increase of 0.1 RMB every day since early this month, according to Lin.
Rice and flour prices have remained stable with only slight increases seen.
However, prices for leafy vegetables were expected to drop in coming weeks as local harvests approach, Lin said.
(By Wang Yuanyuan)
