A social media user recently shared a video highlighting the prices of several products at the controversial supermarket on 3rd and 70 in Havana, where a bottle of Ron Isla del Tesoro was priced at $779, sparking significant outrage.
On Instagram, Vivian Montane (@chacruta) shared a short clip where, in addition to the mentioned price of the Ron Isla del Tesoro bottle, other prices are also shown.
The video also highlights other products with high prices, such as the Classic Panettone priced at $15.20, a bottle of olive oil at $11.25, a boneless leg of Serrano ham for $143, and alcoholic beverages like Jameson whiskey at $29.90 and Ballantine’s at $48.
Montane concluded the clip by singing the phrase: “Long live my flag, long live our nation, long live the Revolution!”—an ironic message that mocks the new supermarket, portraying it as yet another achievement of the Cuban regime.
The internet user accompanied the video with the following message: “I present to you the new market at 3rd and 70 in Miramar. Everything is sold in hard currency. Only cash in USD, MasterCard, or classic cards that can be purchased in Cuba with any foreign currency.”
The supermarket, however, is far from providing a pleasant experience for its customers: “The floor is dirty because there's no time to clean it due to the number of shoppers. Lines everywhere... I felt like I was in a little cave.”
He emphasized that, although some prices are lower compared to the small and medium-sized enterprises (mipymes), not all products meet quality standards, and the contrast with the nearby market 70, which is almost empty, is quite evident.
He also shared a powerful reflection: “It seems that the USD runs in this city while many people still go without food because they are paid in Cuban pesos.”
This comment highlights the inequality generated by these markets, excluding those who do not have access to foreign currencies in a country where the majority of the population earns in pesos.
The testimony concludes with a critical message about the Cuban reality: “This island is not prepared for change,” a phrase that encapsulates the sentiment of many regarding policies that deepen the divide between those who have and those who do not.
Montane's post, particularly revealing the price of Ron Isla del Tesoro, has sparked a wave of controversy and outrage on social media.
Manuel Viera expressed his outrage on Facebook: “Can someone please clear this up for me? What do they put in this (bottle of rum) that in the new markets could cost as much as 779 dollars? It must contain the treasure of the island inside.”
He also reflected, “This is a Cuban rum, made by workers who earn less than a dollar for a day's work. This surpasses the $200,000 Peugeot. If the lion from the Peugeot sees this, it would jump off the Torre K,” he emphasized with irony, referencing two other news stories that have impacted the population in the early months of the year: the enactment of the new law on the import and marketing of vehicles in Cuba, and the upcoming opening of the controversial Hotel Torre K-23.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Dollar Supermarket at 3rd and 70 in Havana
Why has the price of Ron Isla del Tesoro in Havana caused outrage?
Indignation arises because Ron Isla del Tesoro is sold for $779, an exorbitant price considering it is a Cuban product and that most workers in Cuba receive their salaries in Cuban pesos, not in dollars. This price reflects the economic inequality and dollarization that affect the Cuban population.
How does the dollarization of the supermarket at 3rd and 70 affect Cubans?
The dollarization of the supermarket excludes the majority of Cubans, as only those with access to cash dollars or foreign currency cards can shop there. This exacerbates social inequalities, as the rest of the population must deal with shortages and high prices in stores that accept Cuban pesos.
What products are sold at the supermarket on 3rd and 70th, and what are their prices?
The supermarket offers both domestic and foreign products, such as processed meats, meats, juices, oils, pasta, cleaning supplies, and appliances. However, the prices are unaffordable for many Cubans; for instance, a panettone is sold for $15.20 and a bottle of olive oil for $11.25, prices that exceed the average monthly salary in Cuba.
What underlying issues does the opening of the dollar supermarket in Havana reflect?
The opening of this supermarket reflects the growing inequality and partial dollarization of the Cuban economy. The government prioritizes sales in dollars, while most Cubans receive their salaries in pesos. This not only creates economic exclusion but also fuels social tensions and discontent on the island.
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