South Korea is experiencing a price increase for vegetables because of the continuous heat wave. napa prices experiencing 70% increase over the last year. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp announced that a head of napa cabbage, which is essential in the making of kimchi cost 9.337 won ($7.02) today. This is the equivalent of a 69.5 percent increase over the same period in 2013 as well as an increase of 32.7 percent rise from the 3-year average.

The prolonged heat and dry conditions have contributed to the shortage of premium vegetables. This has led to an overall rise in the cost of agriculture products. The result has been dubbed “heatflation,” combining the consequences of both inflation and heat.

After the end of its discount plan for important food products, including fish and agriculture after the Choseok celebration, prices for cabbage have increased. The prices climbed up to 7700 won for a head in September 6, and then climbed up to the 8,000-won mark on September 13. This was prompted by the increased demand in the period of promotion that ran from August 29 through the 18th of September.

Similar to other vegetables, others have also seen increases in price. Radish prices have increased up to 65.4 percent from the previous year. A single one costing $3,826 at the time of writing on Thursday. Spinach, which is a favorite of cooler climates is 48.5 percent more costly as compared to last year’s prices as 100 grams are priced $3,728. Cucumbers and red leaf lettuce are also seeing price increases and 100 grams of leaf lettuce priced at 2,122 won which is a 22.6 percent rise from the previous year. Meanwhile, cucumbers will be costing 13,540 won per piece, an increase of 17.1 percent. Cheongyang chili peppers have seen the 18.8 percent increase year over year and are priced at 1,829 won a 100 grams.

Source: The Korea Herald