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Inflation continues to hit the wallets of Cubans hard. Just days before the celebrations of Christmas Eve and New Year's, the prices of food and essential products in Havana have reached alarming levels, leaving many families with few options to secure a festive meal.
The food crisis worsens following the new economic measures announced by the regime, which included the implementation of the removal of subsidies for the basic food basket, despite the impact this decision will have on the diet of Cubans.
This New Year's Eve, everyone will need to buy all their food at the agro-markets. For many Cubans, it will be every person for themselves. The tables will mostly be empty. There will be no food, nor family members with whom to share these holiday festivities in Cuba.
Pork, a luxury for the Cuban table
CiberCuba gathered information on food prices from various agricultural markets in Havana, and based on that data, a table of average prices was created on December 20.
Pork, the star of Christmas dinners in Cuba, has prohibitive prices. Pork shoulder costs between 1,100 and 1,300 pesos per pound, while steak reaches 1,500 pesos.
The pork leg, a common choice for major celebrations, ranges between 780 and 800 pesos per pound. These prices are unimaginable for most of the population, who earn salaries far below what is needed to afford these products.
Rice and beans: basic yet unattainable
The ingredients that make up the traditional "congrí" are also beyond the reach of many families. Creole rice is sold for an average of 200 pesos per pound.
Black and red beans are priced at up to 450 pesos per pound. This represents a harsh blow, as these grains are essential ingredients in the daily diet of Cubans.
Chicken and other animal products
Chicken, once a more economical option, has also seen a significant price increase. A 2.5-kilogram pack now costs around 5,200 pesos.
Chicken breasts are reaching 5,000 pesos per kilogram, and deboned whole chickens are priced at 4,800 pesos each. Even eggs, once seen as an affordable option, are selling for 3,300 pesos for a pack of 30.
Vegetables and root crops, another headache
Vegetables and root vegetables, essential components of any Cuban meal, are also showing exorbitant prices. Malanga costs between 120 and 150 pesos per pound, while popular options like sweet potato and cassava have average prices of 52.50 pesos and 45 pesos per pound, respectively.
Cachucha peppers are sold for 600 pesos per pound, and a bunch of carrots costs between 300 and 400 pesos. Other products, such as mango and banana, also have high prices: fruit bananas reach 200 pesos per pound.
The impact of the removal of subsidies
The gradual elimination of subsidized foods from the ration book exacerbates this situation even further. Products such as rice, powdered milk, and bread, which were previously available at minimum prices, now depend on the market, where costs are exorbitant.
This measure by the regime, aimed at reducing state expenditure, leaves thousands of families unprotected and unable to meet their basic needs.
The challenging economic landscape in Cuba
The combination of insufficient wages, rampant inflation, and the disappearance of food subsidies is putting the majority of Cubans in a precarious situation.
The possibility of a traditional Christmas dinner is diminishing, and many families are faced with the dilemma of prioritizing between food and meeting other basic needs.
As the festivities approach, the hopes of Cubans are clouded by an increasingly dire economic outlook, where access to essential products becomes a luxury and economic uncertainty defines daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inflation and Prices in Cuba during the Holidays
How does inflation affect food prices in Havana?
Inflation has caused food and basic product prices in Havana to reach alarming levels, making essential items like pork, rice, and beans nearly inaccessible for most Cuban families. Food prices have risen significantly, making it impossible for many Cubans to ensure a proper festive dinner.
What products have been most affected by the price increase in Cuba?
The most affected products are pork, rice, beans, chicken, and vegetables. For instance, a pound of pork costs between 1,100 and 1,300 pesos, while local rice is sold for 200 pesos per pound. These prices are prohibitive given the low average wage in Cuba.
What measures has the Cuban government taken to control inflation?
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-run stores often do not reflect the established caps. This has generated distrust among the population and private economic actors.
How does the removal of subsidies affect Cuban families?
The elimination of subsidies on the basic food basket has left many Cuban families unable to afford essential products at reasonable prices. This government measure has increased the economic burden on families, worsening their ability to access food and leading to greater food insecurity.
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