The Cuban creator @flaki_gely shared a testimony on TikTok that has moved thousands of users due to its rawness and sincerity in describing how life in Cuba has changed due to the rise in prices of food and basic goods.
"Yes, prices have risen significantly, and life has indeed become difficult here," begins the young mother in the video that has already surpassed a thousand interactions. In her reflection, she compares everyday situations from years ago with the current reality on the island: "Before, you had eggs and you would do anything to eat pork; eggs were something common. Now, not everyone can afford eggs, my dear."
In an intimate tone with evident emotional weight, he explains that it used to be common to make homemade mayonnaise to save money, but now "when you buy a bottle of oil, you know that half or more of it is going to go into the mayonnaise, and you think about it; not everyone can just make mayonnaise anymore."
Among other examples illustrating the decline in purchasing power, he mentions the difficulty of accessing fruits like tangerines: “The last time I ate a tangerine, because I craved it, and I hadn't had one in years, was during the pregnancy of my youngest child, and it didn't taste like tangerine; it tasted like lemon.”
The reaction on TikTok was immediate, with dozens of messages ranging from solidarity to acknowledgment of a shared reality. “That is the sad reality of Cuba,” commented one user, while another pointed out: “Before, a sugar water saved lives; now it’s not that they don’t want to help, it’s that it's not within everyone’s reach.”
The testimony of @flaki_gely aligns with official data and analyses from experts that reflect a deep food crisis in Cuba. Egg production has fallen to levels worse than during the so-called Special Period, as Cuban economist Pedro Monreal warned, describing the situation as one of the most severe aspects of the current food insecurity.
In addition to the productive collapse, food prices have skyrocketed. A carton of eggs can cost more than 3,000 pesos, while a bottle of oil hovers around 880 pesos, amounts that are impossible for those living on a salary or state pension.
The Cuban YouTuber Zoilemis Arias shared that she spent over 10,000 pesos on a basic shopping trip excluding meat, which is equivalent to four or five months of minimum wage. Most essential products, furthermore, are only available in convertible currency, a currency that the State neither pays nor sells to citizens.
A reality that cannot be sugar-coated
As public discontent rises over high prices and the scarcity of basic products, testimonies like that of @flaki_gely continue to shed light, through personal experience, on the harsh living conditions in Cuba.
The Cuban government announced at the end of August that the average salary rose to 6,649 pesos per month, but that amount barely represents just over 16 dollars at the informal exchange rate. Experts and citizens agree that with that money, “one cannot live” or cover basic needs.
"Now you're tired of eating chicken, ground beef, and sausage, and eating pork is like a glimpse of glory," laments the young mother, in a phrase that summarizes the food regression endured by a significant portion of the population.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Food and Economic Crisis in Cuba
Why is it so difficult to access basic foods like eggs in Cuba?
The production of eggs in Cuba has significantly declined, reaching levels even worse than during the so-called Special Period. This, combined with inflation and high prices, makes many basic food items inaccessible for most of the population. A carton of eggs can cost over 3,000 pesos, an exorbitant figure considering the average salary on the island.
How do food prices affect the daily lives of Cubans?
The high prices of food in Cuba have turned daily nutrition into a challenge. An average salary of 6,649 pesos per month is not enough to cover basic needs, as just a basic grocery purchase can exceed 10,000 pesos. This forces many families to adopt unhealthy diets or to reduce the number of meals they have each day.
What is the current price of a simple lunch in Cuba?
A simple lunch in Cuba, such as white rice with fried egg and banana, can cost a significant amount. The prices of ingredients are high: each egg costs around 100 pesos, a hand of bananas costs 350 pesos, and a pound of rice ranges from 300 to 800 pesos. These costs reflect the severe economic crisis that the country is facing.
What alternatives do Cubans have to face the economic crisis?
In light of the crisis, many Cubans are seeking alternatives in the private sector, where better earnings can sometimes be found. The state sector does not provide salaries that cover basic needs, which is why micro, small, and medium enterprises (mipymes) and private businesses have become an attractive option for those looking to improve their economic situation.
Filed under:
