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In the midst of the severe food crisis in Cuba, the government has just imposed maximum prices for rice and beans.
The Ministry of Finance and Prices (MFP) announced this Friday the temporary regulation of maximum prices for the collection and retail of domestically produced rice and common beans (black, red, and white).
The measure was established by Agreement 10093, approved on March 5, 2025, and published in the Official Gazette No. 7 (extraordinary) on March 7.
The government justifies this decision as part of its efforts to contain inflation, which has been exacerbated in recent years by the economic crisis, food shortages, and rising prices in the black market.
According to the regulations, the maximum approved prices for the domestic production of these products will be as follows:
The maximum retail price for controlled and released sales per pound will be, in the case of rice, 155 pesos; for common beans with input delivery, 196 pesos, and the same beans without input delivery will now cost 285 pesos.
The collection price per ton will be 239,000 pesos (consumption rice), 304,360 pesos (common beans with delivery of supplies), and 435,000 pesos (common beans without delivery of supplies).
The MFP clarified that these prices are maximum caps, which means that if conditions allow, lower prices may be applied in certain areas of the country.
Moreover, the regime insists that local governments will play a key role in price coordination, a mechanism that is supposedly intended to involve all economic actors in setting rates.
The measure is being implemented in a context of extreme food scarcity and uncontrolled price increases in the informal market. In recent days, the pound of rice has reached a cost of up to 300 CUP in several provinces, doubling the cap set by the government.
In informal markets of Havana, Santa Clara, and Mayabeque, the price of rice imported from Brazil, Uruguay, and India exceeds 350 CUP per pound, while in Camagüey, an attempt was made to regulate it at 155 CUP, resulting in the closure of several sales points due to the economic infeasibility for vendors.
In response to the crisis, the Ministry of Domestic Trade announced the arrival of a ship with rice at the port of Havana, intended to address the delays in the distribution of the regulated family basket. However, the shipment will only partially alleviate the accumulated demand in recent months.
Impact on the population and doubts about the measure's effectiveness
Cubans are facing increasing difficulties accessing basic goods, relying more and more on the black market, where prices are unaffordable for most families.
On social media, the population has criticized the lack of government control over prices in the informal market and has reported that the imposed price caps are not being enforced in reality.
Experts warn that price controls could lead to further shortages, as many producers and merchants prefer to withdraw products from the market rather than sell them below their costs.
Despite the imposed measures, access to rice and beans remains a critical concern for Cubans, who distrust the government's ability to ensure a stable distribution of these essential foods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Price Regulation in Cuba
What products are affected by the new price regulation in Cuba?
The Cuban government has imposed price caps on rice and common beans (black, red, and white) produced nationally. These products are essential in the Cuban diet, and the regulation aims to control inflation and access to these basic foods.
What are the maximum prices set for rice and beans in Cuba?
The maximum retail price for rice is 155 pesos per pound, while for common beans with supply delivery it is 196 pesos, and without supply delivery, 285 pesos. These prices are the maximum limits and may be lower in some areas if conditions allow.
What is the impact of this measure on Cuba's informal market?
Despite the regulations, prices in the informal market remain significantly higher. For example, in some provinces, a pound of rice has reached up to 300 Cuban pesos, which doubles the limit set by the government, reflecting scarcity and the ineffectiveness of the measure in controlling the black market.
What criticisms has the Cuban government received regarding this price regulation?
The population has voiced criticisms on social media regarding the lack of government control over prices in the informal market and the ineffectiveness of the imposed caps. Furthermore, experts warn that price controls could lead to greater shortages, as producers and merchants might withdraw products from the market to avoid selling them below their costs.
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