The shortage of sugar in Cuba has reached critical levels, and its price has skyrocketed in the few places where it is still possible to find it.
While in the country, a pound of sugar may cost around 550 Cuban pesos (CUP), on online platforms aimed at the Cuban market, prices are higher, ranging from 2 to 4 dollars, depending on the supplier.
At Supermarket 23, one of the most popular platforms for supplying Cuba from abroad, the prices for a pound of sugar range from $2.47 (810.16 CUP) to $4.72 (1,548.16 CUP), depending on the type of product.
This platform offers several options, although payments must be made in foreign currency, and shipping costs are not included in the prices.
Another option is Tuambia, which currently offers a package of four pounds of refined sugar produced in the United States. This product is priced at $1.58 per pound, making it more competitive in the online market.
In Cuballama, which sells products from private markets on the island, prices range from 2 dollars for the cheapest option to 4 dollars for the most expensive items.
Finally, the ACuba platform offers various types of sugar. For instance, the price of white sugar is $3.70 per pound, while brown sugar can reach $4.75 per kilogram.
In Cuba, sugar is a product that is nearly impossible to find in state stores. When it appears on the informal market, its price exceeds 500 CUP per pound, which is a prohibitive amount for many families, especially considering that the minimum wage is 2,100 CUP and many pensions do not even reach 2,000 pesos.
In the face of the crisis, some Cubans are improvising alternatives to sweeten their food, such as using instant soda, which reflects the extent of the scarcity.
Purchasing sugar from online stores not only involves a high expense for relatives abroad but also additional shipping costs and the requirement to pay in dollars or euros.
These limitations hinder access to a basic product that has historically been a cornerstone of the Cuban economy and food culture.
The shortage of sugar in Cuba reflects the regime's lack of productivity and the complex economic crisis the country is experiencing.
Essential foods have become luxury items in Cuba. The population relies on remittances and foreign currency shops to put a meal on the table. Drinking a glass of water with sugar, which once symbolized poverty, is no longer possible in many households.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sugar Shortage and Prices in Cuba
Why is sugar so expensive in Cuba?
The price of sugar in Cuba is high due to extreme scarcity, a result of a prolonged economic crisis and the worst sugar harvests in a century. This situation has led to the informal market selling a pound of sugar for over 500 Cuban pesos, making it unaffordable for many families.
How much does a pound of sugar cost in online stores for Cuba?
In online stores that supply the Cuban market from abroad, such as Supermarket 23, a pound of sugar is sold for between $2.47 and $4.72. On other platforms like Tuambia and Cuballama, prices range from $1.58 to $4, depending on the type of sugar.
How does the shortage of sugar affect Cuban families?
The sugar shortage in Cuba significantly affects the daily lives of families, limiting their access to a basic product. Many families have to turn to the informal market or online stores, facing prohibitive prices. Moreover, the lack of sugar forces the population to seek less healthy alternatives to sweeten their food.
Why is the price of sugar different on online platforms?
The price of sugar varies on online platforms due to factors such as the supplier, the type of sugar, and shipping costs. Additionally, transactions must be conducted in currencies like dollars or euros, which increases the cost for those purchasing from abroad for their relatives in Cuba.
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