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The local government of Santa Clara, in the province of Villa Clara, announced a new list of regulated prices for basic food products, which was approved on December 20th.
The adjustments include fruits, root vegetables, grains, and vegetables, and were announced by the government communicator Henry Omar Pérez.
Among the grains, black beans and red beans will be priced at 270 pesos per pound, a decrease from the previous cost of 300 pesos.
Rice will be sold for 150 pesos per pound, while cornmeal will be set at 80 pesos per pound, both reflecting slight decreases compared to current prices.
In the case of fruits, guava will cost 45 pesos per pound, pineapple 60 pesos, and papaya 35 pesos.
On their part, the root vegetables have also been adjusted in price: malanga X will cost 70 pesos per pound, while colocasia malanga will be sold at 35 pesos. The plantain will be available for 25 pesos per pound, and both sweet potato and cassava will have a unified price of 20 pesos per pound.
Vegetable prices are noteworthy, with tomatoes at 140 pesos per pound, cucumbers at 60 pesos, and cilantro at 15 pesos for a bunch of 20 units.
Additionally, cabbage will cost 30 pesos per pound, and lettuce will be priced at 60 pesos per bunch. Some products, such as squash, will retain their current price.
Although the government claims that this measure aims to balance supply and demand, in the comments section of the post, users reported the lack of actual compliance with regulated prices.
A user commented: “Well, if you go to the José Martí fair, you'll see the attractive updated prices on the boards, but when you go to buy, they tell you that those prices are for inspectors and that the product is sold at a different price.”
Another citizen expressed: “Don't raise prices if you aren't going to enforce them. At the José Martí fair, a bunch of cilantro costs 70 pesos, a small container of ají cachucha is 170 pesos, and a pound of bell pepper is 400 pesos.”
The general discontent reflects a recurring issue in Cuba, where price regulation measures often struggle to be effectively implemented.
Although the authorities monitor sales points to ensure compliance with pricing, the discrepancy between the officially approved values and the actual prices paid by consumers remains a central concern for the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about Food Prices in Santa Clara
What are the new prices of basic food items in Santa Clara?
The local government of Santa Clara has set new regulated prices for basic foods, with black and red beans priced at 270 pesos per pound, rice at 150 pesos per pound, and corn flour at 80 pesos per pound. These prices reflect a slight decrease compared to the previous ones.
Are the regulated prices in Santa Clara really being upheld?
Although the government claims that the measures aim to balance supply and demand, users report that the regulated prices are not being adhered to at points of sale, highlighting a disconnection between the officially approved values and the actual prices paid by consumers.
What actions is the government taking to ensure compliance with regulated prices?
The government of Santa Clara has implemented inspections at local fairs, imposing fines, confiscations, and temporary closures of establishments to ensure compliance with regulated prices. However, these measures have not been entirely effective, as complaints about irregular pricing continue to persist.
How does the economic crisis affect the implementation of regulated prices in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba complicates the implementation of regulated prices, as the shortage of products and the lack of resources for effective supervision exacerbate non-compliance with these regulations. Furthermore, widespread discontent reflects the ineffectiveness of governmental measures to meet the basic needs of the population.
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