The Cuban government has started fining micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that are violating the price caps imposed on six essential items.
The Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP) shared on its Twitter account several cases of establishments in the capital where non-compliance with set prices was detected.
One of these SMEs is located in East Havana, where its owner was selling the oil for 1,200 pesos, when the price set by the state agency is 990 pesos per liter.
"A fine of 8,000 pesos will be applied in accordance with Decree 30 Article 7, section B," the tweet states.
In another publication, the MFP reported an inspection at an establishment in the Boyeros municipality, where oil, chicken, and sausage were being sold at prices higher than allowed.
"Continues today the price control campaign throughout the country in coordination with other organizations and institutions, as well as with the authorities of the territories," he points out.
The Cuban government's war against merchants who do not respect price limits has reached the point of asking citizens to report by phone those who fail to comply with the regulation.
The Ministry of Finance and Prices advocates for a movement of popular control, and has established communication channels for each territory so that people can make complaints.
Telephone reports would join the "army" of 7,000 inspectors that the MFP has prepared to enforce the provision.
Authorities have already closed 15 small and medium-sized enterprises this year that had irregularities in their accounting.
In the sanctioned companies, poor accounting practices were identified, such as purchases of equipment being recorded as direct expenses instead of inventory, which artificially reduces the business's profit, or issues with the controls of primary records, such as financial statements, which are often not kept or are hidden.
Judith Navarro Ricardo, legal specialist from the National Office of Tax Administration (ONAT), revealed that some of the cases may result in tax evasion crimes.
"The SME that does not manage its accounting well and, in addition, does not correctly fulfill its tax obligations, demonstrates an intention to evade, so we have the right to proceed with the complaint," he said.
On Monday, the implementation of price caps on six essential products (five foods and powdered detergent) of high demand was announced as an effort to mitigate the impact of inflation on the population.
Resolution 225/2024 of the Ministry of Finance established the maximum retail prices for chicken, oil (except olive oil), powdered milk, pasta, sausages, and detergent.
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