TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —  Vegetable prices at Taipei's vegetable wholesale markets rose Tuesday (Oct. 1) as residents prepared for Typhoon Krathon, but prices returned to normal levels Wednesday.

The average price of vegetables reached a high of NT$63.7 (US$2) per kg on Tuesday. Prices decreased 17% on Wednesday, with an average price of NT$52.8 (US$1.66) per kg, per CNA.

The surge in vegetable prices on Tuesday was primarily caused by the market closures the previous day, Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA) Deputy Director-General Yao Chih-Wang (姚志旺) explained. It was also due to increased consumer demand in anticipation of Typhoon Krathon.

Yao added that although vegetable prices have dropped, the typhoon has yet to make landfall. The AFA will continue to monitor the typhoon's potential impact on agricultural production and prices.

Typhoon Krathon's landfall is expected to be delayed until Thursday (Oct. 3). It has been nearly stationary for the last three hours, according to CNA.

The typhoon's outer bands have already made landfall in areas south of Chiayi and Taitung, affecting areas south of Taichung, Nantou, Hualien, Taitung, and Penghu. Its intensity is expected to gradually weaken.

Yao recommended people purchase root vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes. Furthermore, the AFA has worked with major domestic supermarkets such as PX Mart, Carrefour, and RT-Mart to set up special sections selling discounted cabbage.