This is how the dollar opened in the Cuban informal market today: Prices and trends.

Although the currencies are stable, Cubans continue to live with inflation that does not stop.

Current Affairs
CiberCuba Editorial Team

September 21, 2024 - 12:11 PM (GMT-5) |

The apparent calm seems to be the main reference in the Cuban informal market, as no changes in currency prices have been reported, according to the daily monitoring conducted by the independent media El Toque.

The dollar remains quoted at 320 CUP, the euro at 330, and the freely convertible currency (MLC) at 270, the latter price reached by the virtual currency a week ago, on Saturday, September 14.

Exchange rate today 21/09/2024 - 12:00 pm in Cuba:

Exchange rate of the USD to CUP according to elTOQUE: 320 CUP

Exchange rate of the euro EUR to CUP according to the TOQUE: 330 CUP

Exchange rate of MLC to CUP according to TOQUE: 270 CUP

Despite the stability, prices remain high for the population that depends on government salaries, a minimum of 2,100 CUP, which means that state workers, pensioners, and all those who have no income in dollars are getting even closer to the threshold of extreme poverty.

At the beginning of this month, a Cuban highlighted on social media the harsh consequences of inflation in the country by showing that the cost of preparing a ajiaco at home exceeds 8,000 pesos.

"Today we woke up at home wanting to eat ajiaco," pointed out the Cuban, noting that he hadn't prepared the dish in a long time; however, he complained that the most surprising thing was the exorbitant cost of the ingredients.

She decided to take advantage of the "fair" day to look for food, but despite being a market for farm products, she had difficulties finding what she needed.

At the end of his search, he listed the prices: 3 pounds of meat for 4,200 pesos, cilantro for 100, corn for 250, onion for 1,000, the malanga cost him 490, a variety of root vegetables cut for 390, one cassava for 70, a small bunch of burro bananas for 100, and four tiny plantains for 100 as well.

In addition, a can of tomato puree cost her 500 pesos, just like the cumin powder and complete seasoning, which added another 500 pesos, further increasing the cost of the preparation.

In total, the cost was 8,270 pesos, an alarming figure for a dish that is part of Cuban tradition.