Karwar: On the eve of the Valentine's Day, the price of rose has seen a sudden spurt in Karwar.

Usually, roses are sold at around Rs 3 to Rs 5 per flower. However, suddenly, the prices have shot up to Rs 20 on Monday.

Roses are expected to be in good demand in the month of February, with  flower merchants nothing up good sale of roses on the occasion of the Valentine's Day.

This time too, more number of merchants are selling roses here. Merchants are of the opinion that the hike in the price of roses would not affect the flower's sales.

"When youth give so much value to express their love, they do not hesitate to pay more for the rose which is a symbol of love. Therefore, price of roses is more on Valentine's Day, and it may even touch Rs 35 per flower," says a flower merchant Imran.

Sale of roses would be more on February 14, while more number of college students purchase roses on that day, he opined.

On the occasion of Valentine's Day, wholesale rate of roses would not be increased, but retailers increase the price, revealed another flower merchant.

"Rose is a symbol of love, and there nothing wrong in purchasing it at the higher price on the occasion of the Valentine's Day," said Naresh, a resident.