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The Business Group of Commerce in Las Tunas announced this Thursday that the population of the province will receive only one pound of sugar per consumer in the regulated family basket for the month of September.
According to the page Periódico Las Tunas Cuba on the social network Facebook, so far the product has reached 11 bodegas in the provincial capital.
The measure reflects the collapse of the Cuban sugar industry, whose production in the 2024-2025 harvest fell below 150,000 metric tons, the lowest level in over a century and less than half of what was achieved in the previous campaign, according to data cited by EFE.
A sector in ruins
The result fell well below the state plan of 265,000 tons and confirms the sustained deterioration of a sector that for decades was considered the backbone of the Cuban economy.
Among the causes of the collapse are the limited availability of sugarcane, constant blackouts, fuel shortages, and the widespread deterioration of industrial infrastructure.
In May, it was already noted that the harvest would not exceed 200,000 tons, a historic low that eventually worsened and reveals the failures of official planning.
Impact on the population
The scarcity directly impacts the tables of Cubans. Last December, the authorities in Las Tunas had already reduced the ration to two pounds of sugar and rice per consumer, and now they are limiting the ration to just one pound of sugar a month, a symbolic amount compared to the actual needs of families.
The collapse of the sugar sector not only reflects the regime's inability to sustain an emblematic part of its economy, but it also worsens the food crisis that the population is experiencing.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Sugar Crisis and Food Distribution in Cuba
Why does the Cuban government only distribute one pound of sugar per person in Las Tunas?
The Cuban government only distributes one pound of sugar per person in Las Tunas due to the collapse of the sugar industry, which has produced the lowest level of sugar in over a century. The 2024-2025 harvest fell below 150,000 metric tons, far from the state plan of 265,000 tons, leading to a drastic reduction in the availability of the product for domestic consumption.
What are the causes of the collapse of the Cuban sugar industry?
The causes of the collapse of the Cuban sugar industry include the limited availability of sugarcane, frequent blackouts, lack of fuel, and the widespread deterioration of industrial infrastructure. These issues have resulted in planning failures and sugar production that does not even meet domestic consumption, forcing the country to rely on imports.
How does the sugar crisis affect the Cuban population?
The sugar crisis directly impacts the diet and quality of life of Cubans, reducing the amount of sugar available in the regulated basic basket. This situation worsens the already existing food crisis, further limiting access to essential products and increasing reliance on imports to meet minimal demand.
What measures is the Cuban government taking to address the sugar crisis?
The Cuban government has organized "voluntary work" days in the sugarcane fields and has attempted to improve the management of the sugar mills. However, these measures have not succeeded in reversing the collapse of the sugar sector, which continues to show no signs of recovery due to a lack of resources and structural deterioration.
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