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The Cuban regime continues to fail to ensure even the most basic food items: The Food Company of Matanzas reported that the province does not have flour available, which has led to the suspension of bread production in all municipalities, except for the capital area.
In a note published on its Facebook profile, the company showcased the significant efforts made to obtain the raw materials.
However, the director of the entity, Iván Castro Rodríguez, admitted that the final result has been a total failure.
The crisis has been reported to provincial and municipal authorities, although no immediate solution was offered.
However, the company assured that production will resume as soon as the flour arrives, without specifying a concrete date.
Meanwhile, thousands of people in Matanzas will be left without access to this essential product, further exacerbating the already critical food shortage in the country.
This new shortage adds to the long list of crises affecting the island, where the lack of basic supplies has become a constant, directly impacting the food situation and quality of life for the population.
Recently, the quality of the standardized bread in Santiago de Cuba has once again sparked outrage among citizens, who reported that the product received through the rationing booklet appeared unappealing and of poor quality.
The independent communicator Yosmany Mayeta Labrada shared images on his page sent by a resident of Santiago, in which the bread appears to have an unusual look.
In February 2024, the Ministry of Food Industry (MINAL) announced that there would be severe disruptions in the delivery of bread from the regulated basket until the end of March due to delays in the arrival of wheat shipments. Authorities attributed these delays to financial restrictions and logistical limitations in bringing wheat from distant markets.
One of the alternatives taken by the government to tackle this crisis has been the reduction of the weight of basic basket bread from 80 grams to 60 grams. The measure aimed to maintain the daily distribution of subsidized bread, albeit in smaller quantities.
The instability in the electricity supply and the lack of fuel have also impacted bread production in various provinces, causing interruptions in distribution and forcing authorities to implement measures such as selling regulated bread on alternate days.
This situation arises in the context of an announcement made by the government in December 2024, where they stated that they would eliminate the Cadena Cubana del Pan as a national entity, with the aim of correcting "distortions" in the decentralization processes and improving the local management of bakeries and distribution points. However, this measure has generated uncertainty regarding its effectiveness in addressing the existing problems.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bread Crisis in Matanzas and Cuba
Why was bread production suspended in Matanzas?
The suspension of bread production in Matanzas is due to a lack of flour. The Provincial Food Company reported that there is no availability of this raw material, which has led to the cessation of production in all municipalities, except for the capital.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the flour shortage?
The Cuban government has attempted to adapt local management to tackle the flour shortage, but has not provided effective immediate solutions. Despite promising to stabilize bread production, the issues persist due to dependence on imports and the economic crisis.
How does the lack of bread affect the population of Matanzas?
The lack of bread exacerbates the already critical food shortage in Matanzas, affecting the diet and quality of life of thousands of residents who rely on bread as a staple in their daily diet.
What impact does the decentralization of the Cuban Bread Chain have?
Decentralization, which aims to improve local management, can deepen the inequalities between territories due to variations in the administrative capacities of municipal governments, which could worsen the bread supply situation in Cuba.
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