TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Following the torrential rain that caused damage in southern Taiwan last week, vegetable prices at the Taipei Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market averaged NT$48.7 (US$1.75) per kilogram today.

The new average broke this year’s record of NT$47.1 recorded on Sunday (Aug. 8), CNA reported. As customers turned to cabbage in the absence of other leafy vegetables, the price for cabbage also rose, reaching NT$125 per head.

Factors that drove up the prices included the agricultural damage wrought by heavy rainfall, the anticipation of Typhoon Lupit’s approach last week, and last weekend's Father’s Day celebrations.

Yunlin County accounts for up to 60% of the country's short-term production of leafy produce, while Chiayi County accounts for 20%. Both areas suffered losses due to recent rainstorms.

Despite efforts by the Taipei City Market Administration Office to stabilize vegetable prices at the wholesale market, trade volume still did not reach normal demand. However, although the amount of leafy greens available at retail markets decreased noticeably, retail prices remained the same, according to CNA.

As soon as the weather stabilizes, prices should return to normal, the office said. It added that it would continue to monitor the market’s supply and average prices closely so it can implement the necessary price-stabilizing measures.