A Cuban woman, identified on TikTok as @zol.arias, shared a video about the long line of people waiting to buy the regulated bread at a store located at the intersection of Soledad and Neptuno streets in Havana.
"The line was literally a block long, a bunch of people waiting to buy bread, and I said I’m going home, but in the end, I had to come back, and it was 9 PM and I still hadn’t bought the bread. Incredible but true. They give one loaf per person daily. There’s still a huge line, it’s cold, there’s a chilly breeze, but of course, we bought our two sad little breads, but they’ll do for breakfast. Today they gave double because there was no bread made on the day the power was out. Now we’re heading home," he recounted in the video.
The video has generated multiple reactions on social media, with comments from users in various countries expressing surprise, outrage, and solidarity with the Cuban people.
Some internet users questioned whether it is allowed to record and share such situations in Cuba. "Is it permitted to record those things in Cuba and publish them?" asked one user, to which others responded that there was "nothing wrong" being said, so the video's author should not face any problems.
Others compared the crisis to situations experienced in Venezuela and lamented the difficulties in accessing basic food in Cuba. "Those who haven't lived it don't understand. It reminded me of when I went through that in Venezuela," commented a user. There were also those who offered help, asking if it is possible to send food from other countries.
This situation of long lines to buy bread is part of a wheat flour supply crisis that has affected the island in recent months. At the beginning of March, a ship carrying 24,000 tons of wheat arrived at the port of Havana to ensure the production of regulated bread until the end of the month. However, the distribution remains insufficient, and many bakeries have reported a complete halt to their operations due to a lack of raw materials.
While the regime claims to be managing more supplies, the population continues to face daily difficulties in accessing a basic food item like bread. In Matanzas, the crisis has led a bakery to offer croquettes and tostones as an alternative for the residents' nutrition, highlighting the severe shortage of supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis in Cuba
Why are there long lines to buy bread in Cuba?
The long lines to buy bread in Cuba are due to the wheat flour supply crisis that has hit the island in recent months. Although a ship recently arrived with 24,000 tons of wheat to ensure the production of regulated bread, distribution remains insufficient, and many bakeries have reported a complete halt in their activities due to a lack of raw materials.
What alternatives do Cubans have in the face of food shortages?
In the midst of food shortages, Cubans are looking for alternatives such as purchasing from informal markets, where products are often more expensive, or acquiring rationed food when available. In some regions, due to the lack of bread, they have chosen to offer croquettes and tostones as alternatives.
What is the current economic situation in Cuba?
The economic situation in Cuba is critical, characterized by high inflation, shortages of basic products, and an informal market with elevated prices. The average salary is insufficient to cover living costs, and many families rely on remittances from abroad to survive. Government measures have not effectively alleviated the crisis.
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