Cuba Without Bread: Flour Shortage Hits Several Provinces

The shortage of flour in Cuba has halted bread production in provinces such as Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba, impacting the basic food basket. Only the mill in Cienfuegos is operating, but it does not meet the entire demand.

Bakery in CubaPhoto © Sierra Maestra

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The shortage of flour continues to severely affect several provinces in Cuba, leaving thousands of citizens without access to bread, one of the most basic foods in the daily diet of Cubans.

The Food Company of Matanzas reported that the province is currently without flour availability, which has forced the suspension of bread production in all municipalities, including the provincial capital.

A similar situation is experienced in Santiago de Cuba, where authorities announced that on February 27, the province "woke up with zero flour coverage for the production of regulated bread and for prioritized organizations."

"Currently, only the mill in Cienfuegos is processing cereal in the country, a production that does not cover the entire national territory. As of the 27th, we do not have confirmation on the status of this manufacturing nor a fixed date for when we will receive the supply of starch for the production of the demanded product, which will be distributed to each province at a rate of 50% gradually," stated a note published by the newspaper Sierra Maestra.

For its part, the Provincial Government of Cienfuegos stated that due to the lack of wheat flour supply, the production of bread intended for the basic food basket will be affected.

The bread crisis is similar in several regions of the island and has raised even more concern among the population, which is already facing a severe food shortage.

Although officials assure that production will resume as soon as the flour arrives, no specific date has been given for the reopening of bakeries in the affected provinces.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bread Shortage in Cuba

Why is there a shortage of bread in Cuba?

The shortage of bread in Cuba is due to the lack of wheat flour, which has impacted production in several provinces. Currently, only the mill in Cienfuegos is processing grain, which is insufficient to meet the national demand. This situation is worsened by financial and logistical issues that have delayed the arrival of wheat shipments to the country.

How does the shortage of flour affect bread production in Cuba?

The shortage of flour has led to the suspension of bread production in provinces such as Matanzas and Santiago de Cuba. This situation has raised concerns among the population, as bread is a staple food in the daily diet. The lack of flour has also forced a reduction in the size of the basic basket bread, from 80 grams to 60 grams, in an attempt to maintain distribution.

What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the bread crisis?

Although the authorities have promised to resume bread production as soon as flour arrives, no specific date has been provided for the reactivation of production in the affected provinces. Additionally, the sale of bread has been limited to alternate days due to instability in the electricity supply and fuel shortages, which impacts production and distribution in various provinces.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.