India, Feb. 13 -- More people in Pune are opting to send roses online for Valentine's Day instead of purchasing them from local florists as rose prices have skyrocketed due to lower arrivals with a single stem costing between Rs.30 and Rs.40, up from Rs.15 to Rs.25 last year.

Amit Shah, an information technology (IT) professional, said, "I work in Hinjewadi and recently got engaged. I preferred to book flowers online as a surprise for my fiancee."

A woman working in an insurance company on condition of anonymity said, "My family has restrictions, especially on Valentine's Day. My boyfriend lives in another part of the city and since we are planning to marry soon, I booked roses online for him."

Jeevan Nanaware, a wholesale flower trade...