A Cuban resident in Matanzas has caused a stir on TikTok after posting a video showing what she was able to buy with 16,000 Cuban pesos. In the video, the young woman, identified on the platform as Sheyla, begins by explaining that before discussing the purchase, she wanted to mention that employees from the electric company raised her sister's meter without permission, which led to a misunderstanding.
However, he leaves that topic hanging and asks his followers to comment if they want him to explain it in another video. He then shows the products he purchased with the considerable amount of money: salty crackers, a bottle of oil, a box of ice cream, a 10-pound package of chicken, 10 pounds of rice, peppers, tomatoes, onions, another whole chicken weighing 2.3 kilos, and a jar of garlic. While displaying his purchases, he points out that the oil he was able to get is not to his liking because it is too light and doesn’t go far, the onions are very expensive, and the crackers are an ideal alternative now that there is no bread.
Additionally, he expresses his liking for chicken breast and his preference for chocolate, although he had to settle for a butter ice cream.
The video by @sheyreyes03 has amassed thousands of views and comments, many of which revolve around the real value of 16,000 Cuban pesos in dollars. Some estimate it to be about 47 dollars, while others point out that the figure is closer to 53 dollars, depending on the informal exchange rate. "The dollar is at 340 CUP, so that would be around 47 dollars," commented one user, while another replied, "The dollar is at 300, so it would be about 53 dollars."
There are also those who compare it to other countries and express their surprise at the high cost of living in Cuba. "In Colombia, with that amount, I can buy groceries for five months. My God," one user stated, while another person added, "In the Dominican Republic, with that money, I can buy for the whole month and still have some left over."
Other comments focused on the electricity crisis and the tiktoker's ability to preserve her food amidst constant blackouts. "How do you deal with ice cream if the power is always out?" asked one follower, while another added, "On top of not having electricity, the people at the power company are engaging in those corrupt practices."
The uncertainty surrounding food preservation amid power outages was a recurring topic, with questions such as: "If there’s no electricity, how do you keep the chicken and ice cream from spoiling?"
There were also criticisms regarding the quality of the products purchased, especially the rice, with one user stating, "I believe the worst rice in the world is the one they send to Cuba." The lack of variety and the high cost of products led many to question whether it is really possible to survive with the current prices on the island. Furthermore, several followers asked the young woman if she had considered emigrating. "Friend, if prices are so high, why are you still in Cuba? Haven't you thought about leaving with your husband?" asked one user.
Sheyla's video is one of many that bear witness to the profound economic crisis in Cuba, where inflation has hit the population hard.
Recently, the Cuban Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa acknowledged that even a salary of 6,000 pesos is not enough to live on the island. However, he did not provide concrete solutions nor did he acknowledge the government's responsibility in this issue. Currently, the minimum wage in Cuba is 2,100 pesos, and prices have risen so much that many workers are facing extreme difficulties in meeting their basic needs.
In recent months, multiple complaints on social media have reflected the difficult economic situation. A doctor in Sancti Spíritus stated that a can of powdered milk costs the same as two months of her salary, while an engineer demonstrated that with a minimum wage, she could only buy a few pounds of vegetables at a farmers' market. Even government-affiliated journalists have criticized the situation, such as CMHW reporter Jesús Álvarez López, who expressed: "What can a retiree with 1,528 pesos buy today, when even cassava, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin have become unaffordable?"
The Cuban economic crisis has worsened since the failed implementation of the "Ordering Task" in 2021, which was supposedly aimed at stabilizing the economy but ended up driving inflation up and plunging the value of the Cuban peso. Currently, the Cuban currency continues to free-fall against the dollar and the euro, further affecting the purchasing power of the population.
Sheyla's video has not only sparked a debate about the high cost of living in Cuba, but it has also highlighted the enormous difficulties the average citizen faces in meeting their basic needs, in a country where wages and pensions are increasingly devalued by inflation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of Living in Cuba and the Impact of Inflation
How much did Sheyla buy in Cuba with 16,000 pesos?
Sheyla was able to buy with 16,000 Cuban pesos products such as crackers, a bottle of oil, a box of ice cream, a 10-pound package of chicken, 10 pounds of rice, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, a whole chicken weighing 2.3 kilos, and a bottle of garlic. The high cost of these products reflects the inflation and the difficult economic situation in Cuba.
What impact does inflation in Cuba have on wages?
Inflation in Cuba has severely eroded the purchasing power of wages, making it difficult for many Cubans to meet their basic needs. The minimum wage is 2,100 pesos, which is insufficient to live decently in a context of high prices.
Why is the cost of living in Cuba so high compared to other countries?
The cost of living in Cuba is high due to inflation and the devaluation of the Cuban peso, exacerbated by failed economic policies such as "Tarea Ordenamiento." This contrasts with other countries where, despite crises, incomes allow for a better quality of life.
What have citizens expressed about the economic crisis in Cuba?
Cuban citizens have used social media to express their frustration over the high cost of living and the lack of essential products. Many are denouncing that they cannot survive on current prices and are criticizing the government's management.
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