Expect a hike in the price of fruit and vegetables in the west following a shortage caused by the recent floods.

A bundle of dalo that used to cost $10 is now selling at $15 at the Lautoka market while a bundle of taro leaves that used to cost a dollar is now selling at $2.50 a bundle.

Nalawa farmer Tikiko Yacarere who has been a regular supplier of fruits and vegetables as well as root crops to the Lautoka Market over the last decade says the hike in prices must be expected.

Today, the Lautoka market was bare, with just a few bundles of taro leaves, okra, chilli and cassava with a few bundles of dalo.

Yacarere says consumers in the west can expect this situation to remain into the next few weeks.