In an atmosphere witnessing rapid increases in commodity and service prices, desserts in Damascus have become a pleasure at a high price, with their prices soaring to unprecedented levels, souring the experience for citizens who have been accustomed to enjoying them on special occasions and celebrations.

In a news story that evokes nostalgia for sweet flavors, dessert prices are skyrocketing in the markets of the Syrian capital, Damascus, by up to 30% in a short period estimated at just two months.

This has dealt a heavy blow to the city's residents, who are used to indulging in sweets as part of their culture and traditions. This exorbitant increase in prices reflects the country's overall economic suffering and the survival challenges faced by individuals and businesses in difficult circumstances.

When one strolls through the market alleys, it is hard to avoid the enticing aroma emanating from sweet shops that catches the attention of passersby. But today, these tempting aromas come at a high cost.

Several dessert vendors attribute this price increase to the rising cost of basic ingredients such as sugar, pistachios, ghee, oil, and flour. The astronomical price hikes have resulted in a decline in sales volume and a decrease in consumers' consumption of sweets.

Concrete examples of this bitter transformation are seen in the prices of Nablus knafeh and baklava. The price of a plate of Nablus knafeh has risen from 6,000 Syrian pounds in mid-last year to 12,000 pounds currently, with the price per kilogram reaching 65,000 Syrian pounds. The price per kilogram of baklava and balouria has exceeded 250,000 Syrian pounds. Even the beloved Kato, a dessert that serves 12 people, has seen its price increase to 125,000 Syrian pounds based on demand, while the price of namoura is 70,000 Syrian pounds.

Today, dessert prices depend on the enormous increase in the cost of ingredients and fillings used in their production, which have multiplied remarkably in recent times. With these endless increases, craftsmen and shop owners face enormous financial pressures, especially with the rising prices of diesel and industrial electricity.

The vendors stand perplexed in the face of this rampant inflation that has struck the dessert sector, raising their voices in condemnation of this situation that has cast its shadow on sales levels and profit margins. The continuously increasing prices have led many affluent families to reduce their purchases and consumption. Some have even abandoned this consumption habit altogether due to its high cost.

Other voices speak of dozens of shops that have closed their doors, unable to keep up with these successive inflationary waves. Meanwhile, other establishments are trying to withstand and persevere despite the difficult circumstances and the rising costs of production, services, and wages.

This crisis has also severely impacted the dessert sector, with even the export of these products declining significantly. Some craftsmen and workers in this field have chosen to migrate from the profession and travel abroad in search of better conditions.

In the midst of this grim reality, desserts have become a luxury that many cannot afford. Will people return to savoring these delights someday, or will they remain mere sweet memories faded by these successive crises?