Related videos:
This December 24th, during the celebration of Christmas Eve and the eve of Christmas, many Cubans are facing challenges in preparing a traditional dinner, impacted not only by the high prices of food but also by the family separations affecting thousands of households.
Regarding the issue of high food prices, Elizabeth González Aznar reported this Tuesday on Facebook about the speculation by vendors in San Agustín, La Lisa, in the Cuban capital, during this period.
"Right now on 240 and 31 Street, San Agustín, Lisa, the brazen vendors are showing up today, taking advantage of the fact that people are looking for items for Christmas Eve and everything is priced sky-high," she wrote.
González listed some of the exorbitant prices: tomatoes at 500 pesos per pound, ají cachucha at 200, large plantains at 60 each, cabbages at 400, and bell peppers at 400 pesos.
Additionally, he reported that many products had increased in price by 100 to 200 pesos compared to the previous day, taking advantage of the population's needs.
"What is the abuse? Where are we headed, with the State's inflexibility and the shameless resellers with their prices, while the people are crushed like a croquette in bread? Enough already!" he added.
On the other hand, he criticized the accumulation of trash in the area due to the lack of collection for five consecutive days: “San Agustín is once again filled with garbage everywhere. Don't we have the right to live at least like human beings at the end of the year? Where are the community services?”
The capital's agricultural market at 9th and F published a notice on its Facebook page this Tuesday featuring a price list that stands out due to its exorbitant costs, particularly at the butcher shop "El Pollito."
The special Viking ham is priced at 500 pesos per pound, the super special chorizo at 420, and butter at the same price, competing in cost with the imported boneless pork leg, which reaches 1000 pesos per pound.
Even smoked pork loin reaches 1,100 pesos per pound, while more basic products like croquettes (140 pesos for a pack of 10) and hamburgers at 60 pesos each also increase family expenses.
In another post, the market reported the prices of agricultural products available at its stalls, with prices that also reflect the high cost of food in the capital.
Among the products, notable items include cassava at 30 pesos per pound, lettuce and Swiss chard at 120 pesos per pound each, cabbage at 120 pesos per unit, parsley at 150 pesos per bunch, and bell pepper at 280 pesos per pound.
The market invited customers with a message that contrasts with the reality of prices: “Good morning neighborhood family, our market, your favorite, offers you these products. We look forward to your visit!”
An analysis published by the independent organization Food Monitor Program (FMP) revealed that in Cuba, Christmas Eve, a date traditionally associated with peace, harmony, and family time, is marked by profound economic difficulties.
According to the report, the multifactorial crisis facing the country, marked by food, water, energy, and medical insecurity, is being exacerbated by recent measures announced by the government, such as price increases for basic services, the removal of subsidies, and a partial dollarization of the economy.
This has resulted in a Christmas dinner for a family of four costing around 8,200 Cuban pesos, equivalent to nearly two average salaries or four times the basic salary.
The estimated prices by FMP, based on markets in Havana and Cienfuegos, include food items such as a pound of rice (300 CUP), beans (500 CUP), pork (1000 CUP), and a bottle of red wine or cider (1800 CUP).
These costs highlight the difficulty of accessing a conventional dinner, especially for retirees, whose minimum pension of 1,528 Cuban pesos barely allows them to purchase one or two pounds of these products per month.
The report also reminds us that the right to food includes access to healthy and affordable food, a condition that is far from being met in present-day Cuba, where the cost of Christmas Eve has become an unattainable dream for most.
Both the Food Monitor Program report and the complaint from González, a resident of Havana, reveal that in Cuba, accessing food products for Christmas Eve has ceased to be a luxury and has turned into a privilege accessible to very few.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inflation and Prices in Cuba During the Christmas Eve Festivities
What are the prices of some basic foods in Cuba during Christmas Eve?
In Cuba, during Christmas Eve, the prices of basic food items have skyrocketed. For instance, tomatoes are selling for 500 pesos per pound, planting bananas for 60 pesos each, and imported boneless pork reaches 1,000 pesos per pound. These prices are unattainable for most Cuban families.
How does inflation affect the celebration of Christmas Eve in Cuba?
Inflation in Cuba has made preparing a traditional Christmas Eve dinner an economic challenge for many families. The cost of a holiday dinner for four can reach around 8,200 Cuban pesos, which is roughly equivalent to two average salaries, making a traditional celebration an unattainable luxury for most.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to address inflation and high prices?
The Cuban government has implemented price caps on certain high-demand basic products. However, these measures have not effectively mitigated inflation, and prices in state stores often do not reflect the established caps, leading to distrust among the population.
Why are basic goods so expensive in Cuba?
The combination of rampant inflation, product shortages, and scarcity of raw materials has significantly increased the prices of basic goods in Cuba. This is due to the ineffectiveness of government measures to control inflation, compounded by the removal of subsidies and a partial dollarization of the economy.
Filed under: