A video shared on TikTok by the user @zol.arias has revealed the reality of the Carlos III market in Havana, where the scarcity of products and long lines to purchase basic food items, such as eggs, are a part of daily life for Cubans.
In the video, the content creator walks through the interior of the shopping center and shows that many shelves are practically empty. She notes that in Cuba, there are only a few large shopping centers, mostly located in the capital, while the rest of the country is dominated by small stores with even more limited offerings. Additionally, she criticizes the lack of essential products and the presence of resellers who hoard the few items that come to market at prices relatively lower than those in the informal market. “The lines are long, all the resellers come and take everything, and in the end, no one gets anything,” she points out in the clip.
Another point that stands out is the deterioration of the facilities. In the children's play area, it indicates that most of the equipment is not functional, which reinforces the sense of neglect conveyed by the images.
In the comments, several people reminisced about the time when Carlos III was a well-stocked shopping center with a more vibrant atmosphere. “What a sadness, a shopping center that practically had everything and a rich environment,” expressed one user nostalgically. Others did not hesitate to question the current state of the place, asserting that it is no longer a shopping center as such, but rather a dilapidated market with fewer and fewer shopping options.
The struggle to buy eggs
One of the most striking moments in the video is when the young woman shows the line to buy eggs in MLC (Freely Convertible Currency) and the long time she had to wait for her turn.
In the comments, a user asked how much the eggs cost, and zol.arias replied that the price was 6 MLC, which is equivalent to 1,800 CUP, while in the informal market the cost rises to 2,600 CUP. The figure sparked outrage among internet users, some of whom lamented that basic food items have become practically a luxury on the island.
The creator of the video also described the exhausting process to be able to buy them: customers had to present their identity card and then wait to be called in turn. In her case, the wait was so long that, in the middle of the line, she had to take a break to eat a pizza, as she hadn't had lunch all day.
“This is spreading fast,” he remarked while demonstrating how he sat on the sidewalk waiting for his turn. Finally, after several hours of waiting, he celebrated the success of the purchase with the phrase: “Mission accomplished, soldier. Here are the little eggs.”
The video has sparked a significant amount of reactions on TikTok, where many users compared the crisis in Cuba to Venezuela in recent years. "Thank God we in Venezuela have already gone through that tough time of standing in line to buy food; I hope that era never returns," commented one user, while another claimed that "soon Cuba, like Venezuela, will emerge from this dictatorship and things will get better." There were also those who asserted that Carlos III, even in his current state, looked better than some shopping centers in Venezuela, which ignited a debate in the comments.
On the other hand, several Cubans lamented the deterioration of the place and the reality they face every day. "How much Carlos III has changed... A center that was always bustling. It's a shame," one person wrote. Along the same lines, another user sadly recalled that Carlos III used to be a place where people had a good time, something that today seems unimaginable. Indignation was also evident in the comments, with users harshly criticizing the system that has brought the country to this situation. "Nothing works in Cuba," expressed one of them in frustration.
Crisis in the food supply in Cuba
The economic crisis in Cuba continues to deepen, characterized by uncontrolled inflation and a growing shortage of basic products. Eggs, one of the most sought-after foods by the population, have become almost inaccessible due to their high cost and lack of supply.
On several occasions, the Cuban government has promised to improve food distribution, but the reality in the streets remains critical, with markets facing shortages and prices skyrocketing in the informal market. Meanwhile, scenes like those shown in this video are repeated daily in various parts of the island, reflecting the harsh situation that Cubans face in accessing essential products.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Supply Crisis in Cuba and the Situation in the Carlos III Market
What is the current situation of the Carlos III market in Havana?
The Carlos III market in Havana is experiencing a severe shortage of basic products and long lines to purchase food items such as eggs. The shelves are mostly empty, and the presence of resellers hoarding the few available items exacerbates the situation. Furthermore, the facilities are in poor condition, which reinforces the feeling of neglect in the area.
Why are the lines to buy eggs in MLC so long in Cuba?
The lines to buy eggs in MLC are long due to the scarcity of this product and its high price in the market. The cost of a box of eggs can reach 1,800 CUP in MLC, while in the informal market it can go up to 2,600 CUP. Demand exceeds supply, and the wait is complicated by the appointment system that requires personal identification for purchase.
How does the partial dollarization of the Cuban economy affect the population?
The partial dollarization of the Cuban economy creates inequalities in access to basic products, as many Cubans do not have access to foreign currency. Stores that operate in freely convertible currency (MLC) and dollars are better stocked, but their high prices and the requirement to pay in foreign currency exclude those who depend on the national currency, exacerbating market segmentation and increasing social tensions.
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