The Ministry of Domestic Trade (MINCIN) announced this Thursday the "good news" that, due to the availability of domestically produced beans, they have decided to resume controlled sales of them in the country.
In the case of Havana, the product will be sold at a rate of one pound per consumer, with a notation in the supply booklet.
According to the entity's official page on Facebook, the measure aims to facilitate access to food, which is considered essential in the Cuban diet, and also to “prevent hoarding,” which –according to MINCIN– has nothing to do with the severe shortages that exist.
The established price for a pound of beans is 196 Cuban pesos, according to what is stipulated in the Official Gazette of the Republic.
The MINCIN clarified that this product does not replace the grains—the few that are still distributed—in the regulated family basket, but rather it is an additional offer available for purchase by consumers.
The marketing will take place in all the warehouses of the capital province, according to the connection of each household, the note indicated.
The sales cycle is expected to last 15 days from the start of distribution at each location, which will allow for staggered access and maintain control over the process.
While the regime showcases this revolutionary achievement as "good news," the reality is that the sale of beans through the ration book at 196 pesos per pound represents merely a symbolic relief in the face of the severity of the food crisis in Cuba.
In the informal market, the price of beans has reached 350 pesos in places like Cienfuegos, reflecting an inflation rate that remains out of control for basic products.
This situation arises despite the government's attempts to impose controls. The Ministry of Finance and Prices had already announced price limits on rice and beans, yet this has not succeeded in curbing the escalation or ensuring actual supplies for the population.
The scarcity of grains has even forced the import of food from South America. Argentina loaded 10,000 tons of black beans destined for Cuba, a reflection of the country's lack of self-sufficiency in essential products for its traditional diet.
The fragility of the state distribution system became evident less than a year ago, when the regulated food basket collapsed due to the shortage of coffee, oil, and beans, leaving millions of Cubans without even access to a minimal ration.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bean Sales in Cuba
What is the price of a pound of beans that will be sold in Havana?
The established price for a pound of beans is 196 Cuban pesos, as stated in the Official Gazette of the Republic.
How will the sale of beans be regulated in Havana?
The sale of beans in Havana will be limited to one pound per consumer, with a note recorded in the supply booklet, in order to prevent hoarding and facilitate access to the food.
What is the Cuban government seeking with the controlled sale of beans?
The Cuban government seeks to facilitate access to beans, which are considered essential in the Cuban diet, and to prevent hoarding through controlled sales via the ration book.
How does inflation affect bean prices in Cuba?
Inflation in Cuba has caused the price of basic products like beans to skyrocket in the informal market, where a pound of beans can cost up to 350 pesos, significantly higher than the price set by the State.
What are the criticisms of the price control measures in Cuba?
Measures to control prices in Cuba have been criticized for their ineffectiveness in curbing inflation and shortages, as many producers and merchants prefer to withdraw products from the market rather than sell them below their costs.
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