The content creator Jesús de Cuba (@jesusdecuba) recently shared a video on TikTok that has caused surprise among Cubans due to the exorbitant prices that a mango reaches on the island.
Jesús was shopping at the Agromercado de 19 y B, in El Vedado, Havana. The establishment is one of the most well-known for its variety of agricultural products, but also for its exorbitant prices.
In this market, many content creators cannot properly document the prices because the vendors do not like to be recorded. The images captured were sufficient to show the exorbitant cost of various products.
In early March, just as the season begins, the mango is being sold for 500 Cuban pesos per pound. The guanábana is also available for that same price.
Other staple products are not far behind: the lemon costs 600 pesos per pound, the ají cachucha 1,000 pesos, the ají pimiento 150 pesos, and the tomato 120 pesos per pound. These prices reflect the inflation and the deep economic crisis that Cuba is experiencing.
In a tropical country where fruit should be accessible, eating a mango or buying a lemon has become an unattainable luxury for most Cubans. The population continues to face shortages that impact their daily diet and quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions About High Prices in Cuba's Markets
What is the current price of a pound of mango in Cuba?
In the Agro-market of 19 and B, in El Vedado, Havana, one pound of mango is sold for 500 Cuban pesos, a price that surprises given the abundance of this fruit in a tropical country like Cuba.
What other products have high prices in the Cuban market?
Besides mango, other products such as guanábana are also sold for 500 pesos per pound. Lemon reaches 600 pesos per pound, cachucha pepper 1,000 pesos, bell pepper 150 pesos, and tomato 120 pesos per pound. These prices reflect the inflation and economic crisis in Cuba.
How does inflation affect the daily food consumption of Cubans?
Inflation has turned basic foods into unreachable luxuries for many Cubans. The scarcity of products and rising prices make it difficult to meet daily nutritional needs, severely affecting the quality of life of the population.
Why are basic goods so expensive in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba, marked by inflation and scarcity, has driven up the prices of basic goods. The ineffectiveness of government measures to control inflation, along with the elimination of subsidies and the partial dollarization of the economy, are factors contributing to this situation.
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