The National Office of Statistics and Information of Cuba (ONEI) reported that, in April, the price of unregulated soft round bread (80 grams) reached 60 Cuban pesos (CUP) in Santiago de Cuba, the highest figure recorded in the country that month. The minimum price was 18 CUP in Ciego de Ávila, highlighting a significant regional disparity in access to this basic food item.
In Havana, prices ranged from 21.42 to 58.33 CUP per unit, making it one of the provinces with the greatest internal variation. Matanzas was the only one to report a fixed price of 39 pesos, with no variations, while in Cienfuegos and Villa Clara, maximum values were also recorded above 50 CUP. Provinces such as Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas showed more contained prices, although still high in relation to average wages.
According to ONEI, the data was collected through the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in the non-state market and is part of the government’s effort to provide updated information on the national economy.
The report is published in a context marked by the crisis in wheat flour supply that has forced restrictions on the production and distribution of regulated bread in several provinces. In Artemisa, for example, bread is delivered on alternate days and is made with mixtures of sweet potato, cassava, and pumpkin. In Guantánamo, the distribution of regulated bread is limited to children under 13 and social institutions, while the price of free-market bread has significantly increased. Cienfuegos has implemented new prices that reach up to 150 CUP for a 200-gram piece, in response to rising production costs.
In Santiago de Cuba, where the ONEI recorded the highest national price, it was publicly reported that a loaf of bread was being sold for up to 50 CUP. This situation sparked citizen protests over speculation in the informal market and the lack of regulation by the State.
The sale of regulated bread in Ciego de Ávila has also been restricted to alternating days, due to the fact that the supply of flour barely meets 50 percent of local demand.
At a national level, the population is facing a combination of rising costs, rationing, and a decrease in the quality of bread, which has intensified discontent in a context of stagnant wages and high inflation.
The official data released by ONEI not only confirms the upward trend in bread prices, but also highlights the regional inequality in access to essential products for the diet of the Cuban population. In the absence of effective measures to curb speculation and ensure stable production, the outlook suggests a sustained deterioration in living conditions, particularly among the most vulnerable sectors.
Frequently asked questions about the price of bread in Cuba and its impact on the population
What is the current price of bread in Cuba?
The price of bread in Cuba varies significantly by region. In April 2025, the highest recorded price was 60 Cuban pesos (CUP) in Santiago de Cuba, while the lowest price was 18 CUP in Ciego de Ávila. Havana displayed a wide range of prices, ranging from 21.42 to 58.33 CUP per unit.
What is causing the increase in the price of bread in Cuba?
The main cause of the increase in bread prices is the wheat flour supply crisis, which has led to restrictions in the production and distribution of regulated bread. This shortage has resulted in higher production costs, which in turn has affected consumer prices.
How does the bread crisis affect the Cuban population?
The bread crisis has a significant impact on the Cuban population, especially among the most vulnerable sectors. The combination of high prices, rationing, and decreased quality has caused distress and difficulties in accessing this basic food, in a context of stagnant wages and high inflation.
What measures are being taken to address the bread crisis in Cuba?
The authorities have implemented measures such as selling bread on alternate days and using mixtures of sweet potato, cassava, and pumpkin to extend the use of flour. However, these actions have been perceived as insufficient to effectively address the shortage and rising prices.
How does the price of bread compare to the average salary in Cuba?
The price of bread is high compared to the average salary in Cuba, which, according to the National Bureau of Statistics and Information, is 5,839 Cuban pesos per month, equivalent to just 16 dollars at the informal exchange rate. This imbalance exacerbates the economic situation of Cuban families, who must allocate a significant portion of their income to the purchase of basic food items such as bread.
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