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The Cuban government acknowledged the deterioration in the distribution of the regulated family basket and its inability to guarantee basic products such as milk, eggs, sugar, and coffee, admitting to its crisis during the latest review meeting of the Ministry of Domestic Trade.
However, the report acknowledged that self-management has not been effective in inventory management, which has led to shortages in some units, reported Granma.
During the meeting, led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, the need to increase offerings and improve the quality of services was emphasized "with what we are capable of producing," which is quite limited given the collapse of food production in the country.
Marrero acknowledged that the population expects an increase in products available through the rationing system and affordable prices, but the official discourse was limited to insisting on the need to improve management and combat the diversion of resources, without announcing effective measures to address the scarcity.
The Minister of Domestic Trade, Betsy Díaz Velázquez, stated that sales of the standard basket have decreased compared to the previous year, highlighting the precarious situation faced by the population, which is forced to meet its needs in the private sector at unaffordable prices.
The lack of inventory has caused a continuous shortage, leading to the failure to deliver essential products of national production.
In the case of milk, for example, the per capita ration was reduced to half a liter due to the collection deficit; eggs, distributed bimonthly in the first half of 2024, were only delivered to pregnant women starting in July, and the supply of salt was affected throughout the entire year.
The minister also admitted that centralized prices remain unsustainable, as the profit margin does not cover operational costs.
In response to this, the government proposes to advance in decentralization and seek regulations for high-demand products, without explaining how it will ensure access to basic food for the most vulnerable population.
In addition, the Family Assistance System faces challenges in delivering food items, vegetables, and fruits, as the connection with producers is not effective.
By 2025, the government aims to continue updating the real cost of the products in the regulated basket with the goal of gradually reducing subsidies, a measure that could result in even higher prices for Cubans.
It is also proposed to consolidate areas of self-consumption in trade companies and strengthen contracts with state and non-state economic actors.
Despite the announcements, the reality remains that the basic basket is shrinking more and more, and the official promises do not provide concrete answers to the supply crisis affecting most Cuban households.
In recent months, the food crisis in Cuba has worsened, with significant delays in the delivery of basic products through the supply booklet.
Recently, a ship carrying 24,000 tons of wheat arrived at the port of Havana, intended for the production of flour for regulated bread. This delivery aims to alleviate the shortage crisis that has paralyzed bakeries in several provinces such as Matanzas, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba, leaving the population without access to this essential food.
Despite this, authorities have acknowledged that the flour will only last until the end of March and that they are reliant on a new shipment to extend production into April, as reported by CiberCuba.
On the other hand, in December 2024, the Cuban government assured that the supply booklet was guaranteed for 2025, although with a gradual reduction in the amount of assigned products. This measure was announced amid the removal of subsidies for the basic basket, which has increased the population's concern.
In Villa Clara, for example, the delivery of 17 pounds of regulated rice was promised with a three-month delay, which reflects the logistical and economic crisis facing the country.
In early February 2025, the Ministry of Domestic Trade confirmed delays in the delivery of essential products such as rice, sugar, and peas.
The distribution of milk powder for children has also been affected, and the supply of meats, oil, and coffee was suspended in the ration booklet, while these products remain available in stores that operate exclusively in dollars.
The increasing dollarization of the economy has created greater inequality, as prices in these stores are beyond the reach of most of the population that receives their salary in Cuban pesos.
While the government prioritizes the opening of new stores in dollars, state-owned shops are facing a chronic shortage that impacts millions of families on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Supply Book Crisis in Cuba
What is the current state of the ration book in Cuba?
The supply booklet in Cuba is facing a significant crisis. Although the government has announced that distribution for 2025 is guaranteed, the amount of food distributed has decreased due to increasing organizational economic difficulties.
Why is the Cuban government eliminating subsidies for the basic food basket?
The Cuban government is eliminating subsidies for the basic basket as part of a plan to correct economic distortions and reinvigorate the economy. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz described this measure as "complex," but necessary, due to its impact on the budget and economic stability.
How will the elimination of subsidies affect Cuban families?
The removal of subsidies will significantly impact Cuban families, as essential products may become unaffordable for many families due to high prices. Although the government has promised to redirect subsidies to those in vulnerable situations, it has not clearly explained how this will be implemented.
What measures is the Cuban government proposing to mitigate this impact?
The Cuban government plans to redirect subsidies to individuals in vulnerable situations. However, specific mechanisms have not been detailed, and the majority of Cubans are experiencing economic hardship, making the effectiveness of these measures uncertain.
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