A heated argument featuring a woman in the line for eggs at the 3ra y 70 supermarket in Havana was captured on video and has begun circulating on social media, sparking criticism over the unequal access to basic products on the island.
In the images, the woman can be heard shouting and confronting other customers amid rising tensions due to the practice of hoarding and the subsequent resale of food.
The supermarket, one of the best-stocked in the capital, operates exclusively in freely convertible currency (MLC), meaning only those with access to foreign exchange can shop there.
"The line is here," the woman is heard saying, visibly upset about the situation. Others present try to calm her down, while the argument escalates for several minutes.
The argument has sparked a new debate on social media regarding shortages and the informal market in Cuba, where the chronic scarcity of food has led to the proliferation of resellers who take advantage of long lines and consumers' needs.
The supermarket 3rd and 70, located in Miramar, is one of the most frequented sales points for those who receive remittances from abroad or have access to dollars, euros, or other foreign currencies.
In this context, many Cubans are forced to turn to the black market to obtain products that they cannot afford in MLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food Crisis and Dollarization in Cuba
Why is there so much outrage over dollar supermarkets in Cuba?
Indignation arises because these supermarkets only accept dollars, a currency that most Cubans cannot access, which excludes a large part of the population from being able to buy basic products. Furthermore, prices are unaffordable for those earning in Cuban pesos, worsening economic inequalities on the island.
What has caused the shortages in the markets in Cuba?
The shortages in Cuba are the result of a deep economic crisis, characterized by a lack of basic products, uncontrolled inflation, and a partially dollarized economy. Government policies and the dependence on remittances exacerbate the situation, leaving many stores in freely convertible currency (MLC) devoid of essential products.
How does dollarization affect the Cuban population?
Dollarization creates a significant economic gap, as only those with access to dollars can purchase products in the new supermarkets. This deepens social inequalities, as most Cubans receive their salaries in Cuban pesos, making it difficult for them to afford basic goods that are now sold in dollars.
What is the current situation regarding the queues to buy food in Cuba?
The lines to purchase basic food items in Cuba are long and often become violent, due to the scarcity of products and the desperation of the population. The practice of hoarding and reselling food also adds to the tensions, as many people turn to the informal market to obtain what they cannot buy in official stores.
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