The Municipal Administration Council in Guantánamo has implemented new prices for the bread sold by the private sector and released by the Cuban Bread Company, effective from May 12, citing the increase in raw material costs, supplies, and operational expenses as justifications for the decision.
The information was shared on social media by the mayor of the municipality of Guantánamo, Alexander Cala Rodríguez, as reported this Saturday by the official newspaper Venceremos.
The new regulation, agreed upon together with the Directorate of Finance and Prices, establishes the following values: apple bread (40 g), 25 CUP; flautin (70 g), 40 CUP; and flauta (130 g), 100 CUP.
Venceremos also reproduced a press release from the provincial government announcing that, “due to restrictions on the arrival of wheat to the country, which prevents a stable supply of flour to the province, the distribution of basic basket bread will temporarily continue only for children aged 0 to 13 years and prioritized social consumption: hospitals, educational centers, and the Family Care System.”
Dozens of citizens on the Facebook page Mi Guantánamo reacted to the changes and noted that the "official" prices are far from what is actually paid.
"That’s a lack of respect; the flute costs 150 and the apple bread, half the size, is between 35 and 40 pesos. No wallet can handle that—poor elderly people and children are the most vulnerable," Mary De La Rosa pointed out.
Others, like Inesita Ayón Zalfrán, noted that the decision to regulate prices "is for show because no one complies and no one controls," while Tahimi GarMont labeled it a "proposal disconnected from reality."
In the same vein, Jesús Lozada questioned who will monitor compliance with the measure because, “not only is there no bread in any bakery, but individuals sell the bread to resellers who claim to be bakers, selling a loaf for 150 pesos. Moreover, everyone, absolutely everyone, is violating the law, operating without permits, without hygiene, and nothing happens.”
In Yesla Trav Piñeiro's view, it is “a government will, but in reality, none of that is objective; they will not sell their product at that price, and the people, faced with this unfortunate necessity, will continue to pay almost beyond their means for the precious bread, so that at least children and the elderly can have breakfast.”
Critical voices also point to the backdrop of the market: “Flour continues to enter the country. The importing entities are state-owned, and the state sells that flour to the small and medium-sized enterprises in dollars. They prefer to sell it to the non-state sector. If they truly cared about the people, they wouldn’t do it this way. Price caps do not solve anything. Whether you like it or not, the law of supply and demand governs commercial circulation. You all know that doesn’t solve anything. How cynical.”
Regarding the rationing of regulated bread, Adis María Baró asked, “Why here in Guantánamo was bread taken away from the rest of the population when other provinces are not affected?” Meanwhile, Lismay Torres Savigñon stated that she has consulted “with friends and family in other provinces and the measure applied to bread is only in Guantánamo. As always, we are innovators par excellence.”
Since May 9th, regulated bread is only being distributed in Guantánamo to children aged 0 to 13 years and to social institutions, due to a shortage of flour caused by issues with wheat imports to the country.
The measure will remain in place "temporarily, until conditions allow for a return to the usual distribution for the entire population," the provincial government asserted at the time.
A few days ago, the Municipal Administration Council of Cienfuegos officially announced a price increase for the 200-gram bread, a measure aimed at addressing the crisis in the supply of raw materials such as flour and the associated costs of production and distribution.
The chronic shortage of flour has resulted in the regulated bread for the family basket continuing to be irregularly available in the bodegas of Camagüey, as "the low amounts received in the territory prevent us from meeting the established deliveries of a high-consumption product," acknowledged Luis Camacho, provincial director of the Food Company (EPIA).
Due to the flour crisis, and with a lower weight, while power outages worsen the problem, forcing the use of wood ovens.
Meanwhile, in Santiago de Cuba, authorities reported that the production of bread is practically paralyzed due to a lack of flour as well. The mills in the province are inactive and depend on sporadic shipments of flour from Havana, which has forced the implementation of a rotating distribution system across municipalities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Bread Crisis in Guantánamo and Cuba
Why have new prices for bread been established in Guantánamo?
The new prices for bread in Guantánamo are due to the rising costs of raw materials, supplies, and operational expenses. The Administration Council has justified these rates as a response to the crisis in the supply of flour and other essential inputs. This price adjustment reflects an attempt to adapt to current economic pressures, although it has faced criticism for not accurately reflecting the market reality, where prices are even higher.
Which groups is the regulated bread currently allocated to in Guantánamo?
The regulated bread in Guantánamo is currently distributed only to children aged 0 to 13 and to prioritized social institutions. This measure has been taken due to the shortage of flour caused by the lack of wheat in the country. Authorities have indicated that this situation is temporary, although the persistence of the problem in other provinces and the lack of concrete solutions increase uncertainty regarding its duration.
What impact does the bread crisis have on the Cuban population?
The bread crisis has severely affected the Cuban population, particularly the most vulnerable sectors such as the elderly and children. With rising prices and product shortages, families are struggling to access this basic food, further worsening living conditions in a context of inflation and scarcity. Additionally, criticism on social media reflects a growing discontent with the government's management of this food crisis.
Is the bread issue exclusive to Guantánamo or does it affect other provinces in Cuba?
The bread problem affects several provinces in Cuba, not just Guantánamo. In Santiago de Cuba, the lack of flour has halted bread production, and in Cienfuegos, aged flours are being used. The crisis is part of a broader national issue, reflected in the lack of resources and the state's inability to ensure a regular supply of this essential food.
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