A young Cuban, identified on TikTok as Yahi (@emprendedesdecuba), shared a video in which she highlights the economic and social precariousness she faces in her daily life in the Bahía neighborhood of Havana.
"I live in Cuba and now I'm going to buy pork, yes my love, something as simple as pork has become a luxury for many families here," said the creator, showing the small amounts she was able to buy for a price that reached 23,000 Cuban pesos.
During the walk, he also pointed out piles of accumulated trash, the absence of garbage bins, and the lack of hygiene in the area. "Look over there, the trash, the lack of hygiene, the lack of anything—goodness, what a mess," he remarked while walking through the neighborhood streets.
The young woman criticized the passivity regarding the situation the country is facing: “This is sad, unbearable, unacceptable, yet in the end, no one does anything, neither you nor I, nothing, nobody says anything, and those who acted have disappeared, leaving behind children and mothers who are suffering because they are imprisoned.”
She also recounted that she had to pay 9,000 pesos for a small gas cylinder, a resource that has been scarce in her area for months. "I had to pay about 9,000 pesos for a gas cylinder that hasn’t been available for months; that’s another issue, the lost gas," she stated, concerned about the situation.
The video, filmed nervously out of fear of having the phone snatched away, ends with a clear message: “You don’t live here, you survive here, and it’s not just about survival; it’s all my love, it’s everything.”
Reactions to the content were immediate. Several users expressed sadness, resignation, support, and also agreement regarding the high prices, lack of hygiene, and shortage of basic products. Some confirmed having paid similar prices for gas canisters or commented on the deterioration of the Bahía distribution service.
This testimony comes at a critical time for food in Cuba. In recent years, the national production of pork has fallen from 200 thousand to just 9 thousand tons, according to official figures, while the price of pork exceeds one thousand pesos in many provinces.
A recent economic analysis also showed that the maximum price of a pound of pork shoulder in Havana rose from 580 to 980 pesos in just over a year, an increase of 68.9% that has left a large part of the population without access to this traditional source of protein.
As a creative alternative, some content creators have suggested more affordable substitutes. Such is the case of a Cuban influencer who showcased “eggplant steak” as a vegan and economical option for those who cannot buy pork.
Frequently asked questions about the economic and social crisis in Cuba
Why is the price of pork so high in Cuba?
The price of pork in Cuba has increased significantly due to the decline in national production, which has dropped from 200 thousand to only 9 thousand tons in recent years. This deficit has caused the price per pound of pork to exceed one thousand pesos in many provinces, making this protein source an unattainable luxury for many Cuban families.
What are the main difficulties in accessing basic goods in Cuba?
The main challenges in accessing basic products in Cuba include inflation, shortages, and low wages. Many Cubans are unable to meet their basic needs with their current incomes, a situation exacerbated by the scarcity of products in the market and the constant rise in prices. Furthermore, prolonged power outages complicate food preservation, increasing the waste of the few available resources.
How does the energy crisis affect daily life in Cuba?
The energy crisis in Cuba severely impacts daily life, with prolonged blackouts resulting in the loss of perishable food and making basic household tasks difficult. The lack of electricity also restricts access to running water and exacerbates hygiene issues in communities, increasing frustration and the daily survival challenges for Cubans.
What creative alternatives have emerged in response to the shortage of pork in Cuba?
In the absence of pork, creative alternatives such as "eggplant steak" have emerged, proposed by some content creators as a vegan and more affordable option. This reflects the need to adapt diets to the available and affordable products, amid scarcity and high prices on the island.
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