In the midst of the regime's crisis to ensure food distribution through the ration book and the uncontrollable rise in prices in the private market, a government official from the province of Artemisa urged the population this Tuesday to have “trust” regarding the delivery of the rice corresponding to the basic basket.
In statements published by the official newspaper El Artemiseño, the director of the Provincial Wholesale Food Company, Daniel Durán Sáez, assured that the 14 pounds of rice scheduled for January and February are guaranteed, but their delivery is being carried out gradually and in smaller portions due to logistical difficulties.
The official explained that rice has been distributed in packages of 2 and 3 pounds, justifying that this method responds to the product availability and the unloading of containers at the ports.
We are extracting from the port, and this is being done warehouse by warehouse. "At this rate, we are distributing to avoid having products stored unnecessarily," stated Durán, without providing details on the extent of the delays or the stability of the supply in the coming months.
According to their statements, so far 5 pounds of rice have been distributed, and in the coming days an additional 7 pounds will be delivered, of which 2 pounds are to complete the rice allocation for the month of January and 5 for February.
"The other 2 pounds are expected to start the arrival of containers that will complete the 14 pounds starting this Wednesday. The extraction of containers is already in the country," he emphasized.
Rice, an essential food in the diet of Cubans, has become one of the scarcest and hardest-to-find products on the island.
While the government insists that the allocation is secure, the reality for many families is that they face uncertainty and long waits to receive a basic food item in their monthly ration.
In addition to rice, Durán Sáez stated that other basic basket products, such as peas and sugar, are distributed until February.
However, his appeal for confidence contrasts with the widespread shortages and structural problems that have turned food into a daily challenge for most Cubans.
The production of rice in Cuba has drastically fallen in recent years, reaching only 30 percent of what was harvested in 2018 by 2024, according to official data published in the newspaper Granma.
Orlando Linares Morell, president of the Agricultural Group of the Ministry of Agriculture (Minag), attributes the decline to the lack of supplies and fuel, factors that have significantly reduced the cultivated area and yields per hectare.
Paralleling this, the price of a pound of rice has reached 300 Cuban pesos (CUP), a figure that highlights the severe shortages and the decline in the purchasing power of the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rice Supply and the Basic Food Basket in Cuba
Why are there delays in the delivery of rice in Cuba?
Delays in the delivery of rice in Cuba are due to logistical and transportation difficulties, as well as issues with container extraction at the ports. The government claims that these problems affect the gradual and fragmented distribution of rice in the warehouses.
How is the economic crisis impacting food distribution in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has caused a significant shortage of basic products and has severely impacted the distribution of essential foods such as rice, sugar, and other items in the basic basket. The dependence on imports and the lack of financial resources worsen the situation.
What is the regulated basic basket in Cuba and what does it include?
The basic regulated basket is a rationing system in Cuba that aims to ensure equitable access to essential products for the population. In December in Santiago de Cuba, for example, it includes two pounds of rice, two pounds of sugar, ten ounces of peas, coffee, oil, salt, and powdered milk for children aged zero to two years. However, the delivery of these products is often subject to delays and is insufficient to meet the basic needs of the population.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address food shortages?
The Cuban government has announced the redirection of subsidies toward vulnerable individuals, although it has not specified how this will be implemented. Food imports are also being made to alleviate shortages, but there are no concrete solutions that have effectively addressed the situation.
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