The decision to eliminate the rationing booklet in Cuba, recently announced by the regime as part of a series of new economic measures, continues to generate uncertainty and outrage among the population.
This was clearly demonstrated by a Cuban woman’s direct message on social media, in which she aired her grievances and expressed her despair over the impact this decision will have on daily life.
"Give me a rope because this is not sustainable!" said the woman, reflecting the sentiments of many citizens who view the disappearance of this rationed distribution system for basic products as a direct threat to their already precarious livelihood.
In her video, the Cuban expressed not only her regret over the disappearance of the ration book but also criticized the rising costs of internet access and the dollarization of basic services such as mobile data, all while meager salaries continue to be paid in Cuban pesos.
"Next year, we will impose even more restrictions," he stated, explaining that Cubans will have to purchase additional megabytes in dollars, despite the fact that the vast majority of workers on the island receive their salaries in Cuban pesos. He also mentioned the imminent rise of the dollar in the informal market, which will further drive up the cost of essential goods.
The disappearance of the ration book, which for decades served as a lifeline for millions of Cubans, marks a drastic change in a country where rationing is part of everyday life.
According to the government of "continuity" under Miguel Díaz-Canel, this decision is part of an effort to "update the economic model." However, many citizens see it as yet another attempt to shift the burden of the crisis onto families and Cubans living in exile.
The measure has also been criticized as part of a political agenda of covert privatizations that will place national wealth and state services in the hands of a new "oligarchy" that aligns with the regime.
The supply booklet: from lifesaver to relic
The supply booklet was implemented in 1962 as a system to ensure the equitable distribution of basic products, particularly during the more difficult periods of the Cuban economy.
Although criticized for its limitations and obsolescence, it remained an essential mechanism for many families. However, the gradual deterioration of the system has turned it into a reflection of the structural crisis on the Island. Recent reports detail how the products distributed through the rationing system are insufficient to meet even the minimum dietary needs.
Since 2021, the government has gradually reduced subsidies for basic goods, impacting essential foods such as rice, sugar, and oil. The decision to completely eliminate the ration book has been seen as the final step in this process of "eliminating excessive subsidies and unwarranted freebies," leaving Cubans even more vulnerable to shortages and rampant inflation.
Popular reactions and the cost of living
The video of the Cuban woman on TikTok quickly went viral, sparking intense debate across social media. Many users expressed their support and shared their frustrations. "We can’t even manage with what we have, and now they’re taking away the little that was left," commented one user. Another added, "The ration book wasn't much, but it was the only security; now we're adrift."
The rise in internet prices was another highlighted topic in the broadcast. The Cuban woman reported that the government plans to limit basic access and force citizens to purchase additional packages in dollars, something most cannot afford. "As if we were paid in dollars here," she exclaimed, emphasizing the disconnect between government policies and the country’s economic reality.
The elimination of the ration card has also raised concerns among small private businesses, known as Mipymes, which rely on wholesalers for supplies. According to the Cuban, these companies will face new restrictions, making it even more difficult to access basic products. "Mipymes will not be able to purchase in bulk, and that will impact us all," she explained.
This change takes place against a backdrop of increasing dollarization in the Cuban economy. The dollar, which exceeds 300 pesos in the informal market, could reach 1,000 pesos according to estimates from the Cuban in her video. This will further increase the cost of imported goods and widen the gap between those who have access to foreign currency and those who do not.
A desperate cry for help
The video concludes with an ironic plea to those living outside the island: "Send me a rope through Cubamax," she said, alluding to the desperation many Cubans feel in the face of an uncertain future. With her words, the woman captured the emotional and psychological impact of the new measures on a people already facing extreme challenges to survive.
The elimination of the ration book and the new restrictions mark a turning point in the lives of Cubans. Instead of alleviating the crisis, these decisions seem to deepen inequalities and increase the burden on families.
While the Cuban regime argues that these measures are necessary to modernize the economy, the population faces an increasingly bleak outlook, characterized by scarcity, inflation, and despair.
Other contradictions regarding the elimination of the ration book
For years, the authorities had insisted that this measure would not be taken until favorable economic conditions existed. In 2020, the then head of the Guidelines, Marino Murillo Jorge, stated that "the elimination of the rationing card will happen when the economy allows it."
Even the daughter of General Raúl Castro, the official Mariela Castro Espín, described the ration book as "indispensable" for ensuring food security amid the crisis.
"It was very stigmatized, and there was always a lot of criticism regarding the ration book. And suddenly, in those meetings (...) we all started to defend the ration book, even calculating how much the lowest-paid worker earns and how much they spend to buy this... 'No, no, absolutely not, they can't take the ration book away from us!'" he stated in September 2021.
In 2023, following various rumors about its elimination, the state media denied this possibility and reiterated that the system would remain in place. Even the Minister of Domestic Trade,Betsy Díaz Velázquezdeclared that"The notebook will remain in use as long as it is necessary."It seems that there is no text provided for translation. Please provide the text you would like me to translate, and I'll be happy to assist!
All these statements have been called into question by recent decisions, increasing the perception of improvisation and a lack of planning on the part of the government.
The ration book has always been a sensitive topic in Cuba. Surveys conducted in 2010 revealed that, although Cubans wanted economic changes, they feared losing this basic mechanism for accessing food.
Today, with the disappearance of the ration book, Cubans are facing a landscape marked by uncertainty and a sense of abandonment, as the government seems to drift away from its initial promises.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Elimination of the Supply Book in Cuba
Why did the Cuban government eliminate the supply booklet?
The Cuban government has eliminated the ration book as part of an effort to "update the economic model." However, many citizens see this as an attempt to offload the economic crisis onto families, in a context where the ration book was essential for ensuring access to basic goods.
How does the elimination of the rationing booklet affect Cuban families?
The elimination of the ration book exposes Cuban families to even greater shortages and higher prices for basic goods. This change exacerbates the economic situation for the population, which is already facing skyrocketing inflation and insufficient wages in Cuban pesos.
What are the main criticisms of the elimination of the ration card?
The main criticisms of the elimination of the ration book revolve around perceptions of improvisation and a lack of planning by the government. Furthermore, this measure is seen as deepening economic inequalities by benefiting a new "oligarchy" close to the regime, leaving most Cubans in a vulnerable situation.
What impact does the dollarization of services have in Cuba?
The dollarization of basic services, such as mobile data, negatively impacts the majority of Cubans who receive their salaries in pesos. This measure widens the economic gap between those who have access to foreign currency and those who rely on the national currency, further hindering access to essential services.
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