The temperature has been low for days in Zibo City, Shandong. The price of fruit showed a widespread increase in Zibo markets as a result. The price of strawberries, for example, increased by 4 yuan [0.60 USD] per 0.5 kg in comparison with the period before the snowfall started. "The prices are now at the same level as they were during Spring Festival [February 5th, 2019], and they are still rising," said Mr. Feng as he was buying fruit. He further stated that the price of fruit fell after Spring Festival concluded, but started rising again when the snowfall began.
The majority of fruit currently on the market in Zibo comes from south China, and many of the fruit traders there are still in the Spring Festival break. The trade volume of strawberries is large, but the price is unstable. The current price is around 18 yuan [2.68 USD] per 0.5 kg, which is 4 yuan [0.60 USD] higher than the 14 yuan [2.08 USD] per 0.5 kg before the snowfall started. The price is also high because the strawberries are relatively big this year.
One fruit vendor explained that the increased retail price can not be helped, as the wholesale price went up, and the retail price has to follow.
Source: Zibo Evening News