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The price of bread in Santiago de Cuba has skyrocketed in recent hours, reaching 50 pesos for a single roll, following the announcement of a flour shortage in the country.
The incident was reported on Wednesday by Aris Arias Batalla, head of Operations and Relief for the Red Cross in Santiago de Cuba, through a post on Facebook, in which he criticized the speculation that arose following the product shortage and the impunity with which some take advantage of the crisis.
"Until when will those who enrich themselves and take advantage in times of emergency, crisis, or scarcity remain unpunished? Whoever it may be, whether state or private," wrote Arias, who also denounced the poor quality, low weight, and poor preparation of bread despite its high cost.
The rise in prices has generated great concern among the population, especially for children, the elderly, and pensioners, who depend on bread as an essential food but cannot afford it at such high prices.
"Who will bell the cat?" questioned Arias, reflecting the frustration of many Santiago residents regarding the price chaos and the lack of regulation amidst an ever-worsening food crisis.
The rising cost of bread in Cuba is not a new phenomenon. However, the speed at which prices have surged in Santiago de Cuba, exceeding 35, 40, and even 50 pesos per unit in just a few hours, highlights the market's lack of control and the absence of effective measures to curb speculation.
Some sensitive individuals to the situation of the most vulnerable, such as the Catholic priest Leandro NaunHung, have tried to help. During a Sunday mass in a rural area of Santiago de Cuba, the parish priest distributed bread, highlighting this gesture as a way to share joy and resist the harsh reality faced by Cubans.
At the beginning of the month, a ship carrying nearly 24,000 tons of wheat arrived at the port of Havana for the production of flour intended for the basic basket bread in Cuba, as reported by the official journalist Lázaro Manuel Alonso.
In the midst of the food crisis and the shutdown of bakeries across the country, the regime claims that the shipment will ensure the production of regulated bread until the end of March, according to Alonso's report on Facebook.
Frequently asked questions about the flour shortage and the rise in bread prices in Santiago de Cuba
Why has the price of bread risen so much in Santiago de Cuba?
The price of bread in Santiago de Cuba has risen dramatically due to a shortage of flour, which has led to an increase in production costs and uncontrolled speculation in the market. This situation has resulted in a loaf of bread costing as much as 50 pesos, particularly affecting the most vulnerable groups in the population.
What measures are being taken to address the bread crisis in Cuba?
According to the government, a shipment of wheat recently arrived at the port of Havana for the production of flour intended for basic basket bread, aiming to ensure its production until the end of March. However, distribution has been limited and has not completely resolved the crisis, as many bakeries remain closed due to a lack of raw materials.
How does the bread crisis affect the population of Santiago de Cuba?
The shortage and high cost of bread are severely affecting the population of Santiago de Cuba, especially children, the elderly, and pensioners, who rely on this basic food item. The rise in prices has created an economic barrier that prevents access to an essential product, increasing concern and distress among citizens.
What role do authorities play in regulating the price of bread?
Criticism of the Cuban government focuses on its inability to control speculation and ensure a fair price for bread amid the crisis. The lack of effective regulatory measures has allowed the cost of bread to soar, with no concrete solutions implemented to protect the most vulnerable population.
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