The MIPYME San Antón, in Cienfuegos, was officially declared a "Neighborhood Market" by the Cienfuegos Business Group of Commerce, in an announcement that promised to ensure "access to basic products at more affordable prices for all households."
The official statement published on Facebook tagged Betsy Díaz Velázquez, Minister of Domestic Trade, and announced that more similar establishments will soon be inaugurated in various sectors of the city.
However, the price lists released alongside the announcement tell a different story. The powdered milk of 460 grams is being sold for 1,950 Cuban pesos (CUP), an egg for 130 CUP, cooked ham of 460 grams for 1,800 CUP, oil of 900 milliliters for 2,500 CUP, pork meatballs of five pounds for 9,000 CUP, and beef of 460 grams for 1,500 CUP.
These prices are overwhelming compared to the current minimum wage of 3,210 CUP per month, which is equivalent to just four dollars at the informal exchange rate of 780 CUP per dollar.
The public reaction in the comments on the post was overwhelming, with dozens of Cubans questioning whether the change is anything more than a new label.
What Cubans are saying
"With just a name change, everything was resolved," mocked one commentator. Another was more straightforward: "Everything sounds great, blah blah blah... but the prices are the same and even a bit higher. Now they've renamed the small businesses to Neighborhood Markets. How wonderful!"
The question that was asked most frequently was who can afford these prices: "Affordable prices, for whom?" wrote one user, while another noted, "Affordable prices, but not for retirees."
Some users questioned the legality of the appointment: "If the statutes to declare a center as a Neighborhood Market are analyzed, this one does not meet those requirements 90% of the time," noted a commenter. Others recalled that San Antón only sells cured meats and meat products, lacking the variety of goods required by the regulations, including cleaning products, which are not listed in the price tables.
"The main requirement for approving the neighborhood market is to have prices lower than the average so that wage earners can purchase essential products. We hope it’s not just about benefiting from the advantages regarding payment to the ONAT and other interests to the bank,” said an internet user."
Irony also found its place: "Neighborhood Market? It will be a neighborhood for millionaires with those prices," wrote one user, and another added, "The last time prices were affordable for any Cuban was December 31, 1958, at 11:59 PM."
A commentator summed up the general sentiment with sarcasm: “I think there was a mistake: they forgot to publish the new board with the affordable prices.”
Context: a promise that doesn't add up
Neighborhood Markets are regulated by the Resolution 16/2026 of MINCIN, in effect since August 11, 2026, which allows SMEs, cooperatives, and self-employed workers to manage state establishments while the State retains ownership of the properties.
The official promise is to sell basic products at prices 15% to 30% lower than in other stores, but in practice, several openings have announced discounts of only 10% to 15%.
By October 8, the network had 47 establishments across the country. In Cárdenas, Cubans reported the same situation as in Cienfuegos: "This is the same dog with a different collar."
Related videos:
Filed under: