The unloading of a ship from Guyana carrying 2,800 tons of rice intended for the regulated family basket is underway at the port of Vita in the municipality of Rafael Freyre, Holguin.
The work began on Wednesday, July 30, and will last for a week. The operation aims to settle part of the arrears related to the quotas of regulated rice from the months of April and May.
Freddy Rodríguez García, head of programs for the Food Group of the eastern provinces, reported that the shipment ensures the delivery of four pounds for the month of April and four for the month of May.
Workers from the Transportation and Commerce sectors are actively involved in unloading, storing, and distributing, with the aim of minimizing delivery times in the warehouses. However, they did not confirm when the product will reach the community.
Yurlen Fernández, director of the Vita Port, reported that approximately 500 tons are currently being unloaded daily in two work shifts. “This ship would place us in a better position to receive future shipments,” stated the official.
Rice is an essential food in the diet of Cubans; it arrives four months late, right when the calendar indicates the beginning of August. Its price in the informal market already exceeds 340 pesos per pound.
The scarcity of food has been a constant in the daily lives of Cubans in recent years, and the ration book, although increasingly limited, remains the only resource for millions of vulnerable families whose salaries are insufficient.
In December 2024, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz announced in the National Assembly that the Cuban government would begin the gradual elimination of subsidies for the basic food basket, and they have been doing so discreetly since then.
"This impacts the budget; we are looking for mechanisms and will be implementing it gradually, product by product, but it is a path that cannot be reversed,” Marrero stated at the time.
This gradual elimination of the rationing book is already being felt in practice, as fewer products are reaching consumers, and delays in the delivery of basic foods like rice, sugar, and coffee have become chronic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rice Distribution in Cuba
When is it expected that the rice quotas for April and May will arrive at the warehouses in Holguín?
The unloading of the rice ship at the port of Holguín began on July 30 and is expected to be completed in a week. This would ensure the delivery of the overdue quotas from April and May to consumers, although the distribution process may vary depending on logistical and operational conditions.
How does the rice shortage affect the Cuban population?
The shortage of rice in Cuba is a reflection of the food crisis the country is experiencing. The delays in rice delivery highlight the difficulty in accessing basic products, forcing families to rely on the rationing booklet or turn to the informal market, where prices are high and many products are unavailable.
What measures has the Cuban government taken in response to the food crisis?
The Cuban government has announced the gradual elimination of subsidies for the basic food basket and has been forced to rely on imports and international food donations, such as rice. The measures have included attempts at more efficient distribution, but delays and shortages persist.
How is the rice crisis impacting prices in the Cuban market?
The scarcity of rice has led to a significant increase in prices in the informal market, where a pound can cost up to 300 Cuban pesos. This highlights the severe shortages and the decline in the purchasing power of the population, which faces challenges in accessing basic foods at affordable prices.
Filed under:
