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A post recalling the price caps on basic products in Cuba sparked a wave of reactions on social media, where dozens of users questioned the actual viability of those figures amid inflation, fuel shortages, and the sustained rise of the dollar in the informal market.
The message, shared on Facebook by Hola Habana, warned about increases "without any justification" in food and high-demand items such as chicken, oil, powdered milk, pasta, sausages, and detergent, all regulated by the Resolution 225/2025. It also urged the public to report businesses that violate the established price caps and to demand electronic payments.
However, the public's reaction was immediate and predominantly critical. "Without justification?" asked several users, who pointed directly to the rise in fuel prices, with rates in the informal market reaching up to 3,000 pesos per liter, and the value of the dollar, which hovers around 500 pesos on the street, far above the official rate.
Many comments agreed that the prices set in the resolution are outdated in light of the new exchange rate scenario. When the regulation was issued, the official dollar was valued far below its current rate. "With the dollar at 500 and gasoline through the roof, who can sell at those prices without losing money?" questioned one user.
Others pointed out the contradiction between the caps on the national currency and the prices in state stores that operate in dollars. “Who sets the caps for the USD stores?” they repeatedly asked, comparing the official price of milk or oil with their value in foreign currency, which far exceeds what is established in Cuban pesos at the current exchange rate.
There were also reports of many businesses refusing to accept electronic transfers, despite the official mandate, as well as accusations of corruption against inspectors responsible for enforcing the regulation. "Everyone sees it, and no one does anything," summarized a comment that garnered dozens of reactions.
Some defended the small vendors and micro, small, and medium enterprises, arguing that they purchase goods at high prices and face rising transportation costs, taxes, and inventory replenishment. Others, on the other hand, called for greater control and real sanctions in response to what they see as abuses.
Beyond the opposing viewpoints, the common denominator was distrust. For many Cubans, the official price list "exists only on paper." In practice, they claim that oil exceeds 1,400 or 1,500 pesos per liter; a 10-pound package of chicken hovers around 4,000 or more; and powdered milk is well above the announced cap.
In a context marked by power shortages, fuel crises, and a loss of purchasing power, the discussion around prices has once again highlighted the gap between formal regulations and the real economy that millions of Cubans experience daily.
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