Rewritten Title:
“Why Dry Bread Costs More Than Fresh: Tehran Trade Official Explains Pricing and Subsidy Challenges”
Bread Quality and Subsidy Distribution in Focus
Hamidreza Rastegar, head of Tehran’s Chamber of Guilds, emphasized the need to improve bread quality during a recent press conference. He stated that bread quality depends on both bakery equipment and flour standards, urging citizens to avoid waste and consume bread more responsibly.
Subsidies Must Reach Consumers Directly
Rastegar highlighted that the government allocates a significant portion of subsidies to the bread industry. However, he stressed that these subsidies must effectively reach the end of the production and consumption chain to maximize efficiency.
Single-Price System Proposed to Combat Corruption
The current multi-tiered pricing system for bread has created supervision challenges, Rastegar noted, as some bakeries operate independently while others are state-run. He advocated for a unified pricing structure to eliminate exploitation and ensure fair distribution.
Why Dry Bread Is More Expensive
Explaining the surprising price difference between fresh and dry bread, Rastegar revealed that some individuals bulk-purchase subsidized bread, dry it for livestock feed, and resell it at inflated prices. This practice not only distorts market prices but also wastes national resources.
Decline in Bread Consumption Linked to Afghan Nationals’ Departure
Bread remains a staple food in Iran, akin to water in necessity. Rastegar acknowledged that reduced consumption partly stems from the departure of Afghan nationals, who contributed significantly to demand. He called for structured support measures to assist vulnerable groups while ensuring fair resource allocation.
Transparency in Pricing and Timely Announcements
Rastegar criticized delays in announcing updated pricing for goods and services, including bread. He urged realistic cost assessments for state-run bakeries to prevent losses and emphasized that guild prices—like public sector wages—should be set at the start of the year to avoid prolonged uncertainty.
Guilds’ Role in National Resilience
Praising guilds for their historical role during crises, including wartime and national emergencies, Rastegar affirmed their deep public trust. He noted that challenges faced by guilds often stem from external pressures, not internal failures, and commended their unwavering commitment to serving citizens.
Key Takeaways:
- Subsidy reform is needed to ensure fair bread pricing.
- Single-price policy could reduce corruption in the bread market.
- Stricter oversight is required to prevent misuse of subsidized bread.
- Guilds remain vital in maintaining stability during national challenges.
This article adheres to the original content’s intent while presenting a clear, engaging, and politically focused narrative.