Pastry Shops in the Doldrums

The prices of raw materials for making sweets and pastry have increased drastically, according to the head of Confectionery, Pastry and Café Pastry Storeowners Union.
Noting that pastry oil prices have risen over threefold while those of flour have increased by 90% in one month, Ali Bahrehman was quoted as saying by Fars News Agency that there is also a scarcity of these products as well as imported raw materials like cocoa and coconut powder. 
The imported goods have experienced a 200% surge in prices due to the depreciation of the rial against the dollar, he added.
Bahrehmand said the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic has further complicated the situation, such that people’s purchasing power has decreased and confectionery and pastry have been omitted from most households' expenditure basket.
“Most stores have been closed down or had to lay off staff. Yet, the government is not offering a helping hand to the sector and no facilities or support are offered to help with taxes and insurance fees,” he said.