Related videos:
The Ministry of Domestic Trade (Mincin) announced through its official profiles that the distribution of the supply booklet for 2025 is guaranteed for all family households in the country.
However, although the regime assures the continuity of the system, the amount of guaranteed food is gradually decreasing, reflecting the growing economic and organizational difficulties.
According to Mincin, the ration books are now available in Pinar del Río, Mayabeque, Ciego de Ávila, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, and the Isle of Youth.
In contrast, the other territories are still in the process of preparation, with greater complexities reported in Sancti Spíritus and Camagüey, where the supply books have not yet arrived.
In light of this situation, the ministry indicated that the regulated products for January 2025 can be purchased using the 2024 rationing booklet, appealing to a registration system designed to ensure proper distribution.
The statement has raised questions among Cubans, who view these difficulties as yet another sign of the system's inability to address basic distribution issues, in addition to the ongoing delays in food delivery.
The rationing system remains the only resource that many Cuban families rely on to cope with the escalating economic crisis.
This announcement from the Mincin comes just days after the regime approved the implementation of the elimination of subsidies for the basic basket distributed through the supply booklet.
"This impacts the budget; we are looking for mechanisms and will implement it gradually, product by product, but it's a path that has no turning back," said Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz during his remarks at a recent session of the National Assembly.
The plan includes pricing policies and the removal of subsidies for basic products and services, decisions that Marrero described as "complex" due to their impact on the purchasing power of Cubans and the stability of the national currency.
"One analysis we concluded is to completely eliminate the subsidy for the basic basket, but the issue is complicated because we would not only need to subsidize individuals in vulnerable situations. In fact, for the majority of budgeted workers, their salaries would not allow them to cover that difference," said Marrero.
This announcement marks the end of an era, but it also deepens concerns about access to food in a context of inflation, shortages, devaluation of the national currency, precarious wages, and the strengthening of repressive mechanisms of a violent and totalitarian regime.
Regarding the regime's inability to ensure the distribution of rationed food, a recent announcement from Mincin reported on the delays and progress in the distribution of basic products through the ration book, amid a crisis affecting thousands of Cuban families.
According to a statement released on social media, ensuring the availability of the regulated family basket remains a priority for the Government, which is facing significant logistical and transportation challenges to supply the more than 12,000 bodegas across the country.
The reality is that each day the ration book holds less value for Cubans, as just a few years ago it at least allowed families to receive food supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Supply Card and the Economic Situation in Cuba
What is the supply booklet in Cuba and what is its current status?
The ration book is a system of rationing implemented in Cuba since 1962 to ensure the equitable distribution of basic products. Currently, the Cuban government has announced that the ration book will remain in place in 2025, but with a reduction in the quantity of food distributed due to the country's economic and organizational challenges.
Why is the Cuban government eliminating subsidies for the basic basket?
The Cuban government is eliminating subsidies for the basic basket as part of a plan to correct economic distortions and revitalize the economy. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz described this measure as "complex," but necessary, due to its impact on the budget and the stability of the Cuban economy.
How will the removal of subsidies affect Cuban families?
The elimination of subsidies for staple goods will significantly impact Cuban families, as essential products like rice, sugar, eggs, and bread may become unaffordable for many due to high prices. Although the government has promised to redirect subsidies to those in vulnerable situations, it has not clearly explained how this will be implemented.
What measures is the Cuban government proposing to mitigate this impact?
The Cuban government plans to redirect subsidies to individuals in vulnerable situations. Although specific mechanisms have not been detailed, the regime claims to be working on a plan to avoid worsening living conditions. However, most Cubans are facing economic hardship, making the effectiveness of these measures uncertain.
Filed under: