A group of customers had access to the prices of the store on 3rd and 70th, which only accepts payments in dollars, leaving aside the Freely Convertible Currency (MLC).
This establishment, located in Havana, offers a variety of processed food products, the prices of which are out of reach for most Cubans.
Prices unaffordable for the majority of the population
In a country where the average salary is around 4.648 Cuban pesos (CUP), equivalent to about 13 USD according to the informal exchange rate, buying a package of croquettes or ham in this store represents a luxury.
For an average Cuban family, spending on a single item on the list represents a significant proportion of their monthly income.
Below is a list of prices for some of the available products:
Price list
Chorizo croquette bag 3 x 800 gr – $2.10 USD
Homemade chorizo croquette 3 x 800 gr – $2.10 USD
Homemade ham croquette 800 gr – $3.35 USD
Homemade chicken croquette 800 gr – $3.15 USD
Cod croquette bag 800 gr – $3.90 USD
Dried salted cod (kg) – $48.00 USD
Cocktail Sausage (kg) – $4.80 USD
Frankfurt sausage (kg) – $4.80 USD
Bravo Chopped Pork 3 kg – $3.90 USD
Super Kilo Ham (kg) – $4.80 USD
Bravo Creole Mortadella 1 kg – $3.90 USD
Garlic sausage (kg) – $3.90 USD
Montero Chorizo 1.3 kg – $6.30 USD
Quick Ham 3 kg / 4 pieces – $7.50 USD
Probiotic Yogurt 4 liters – $14.40 USD
Ice cream 3 liters – $8.10 USD
This store's business model excludes those without access to foreign currency, as it only accepts cash or international credit cards.
This creates a significant social divide, especially in a context of inflation and the depreciation of the Cuban peso. The tensions among the establishment's customers, reported in the first few days of opening, reflect the desperation to access products that, although expensive, are scarce at other points of sale.
Criticism of economic policy
Cuban analysts and economists have pointed out that this strategy of raising dollars does not solve the country's structural problems.
On the contrary, it deepens inequality, leaving most citizens with limited options for accessing essential products.
The impact of these types of stores highlights the disconnect between state economic policies and the real needs of the population, highlighting the difficult situation faced by the average Cuban in acquiring basic goods.
Keep reading on Directorio Noticias
Follow our channels WhatsApp, Telegram y Facebook.
Three visa-free countries for Cubans: you can enter without a visa, just with a Cuban passport. - Important information on the distribution of basic food baskets in Havana warehouses
- Mexican visa for Cubans: requirements, documents, and what they don't tell you
Let us know what you think:
5 comments
It's very sad everything that's happening in this country for the average Cuban. It's really not easy. I don't know what they mean by vulnerable people. If all state workers are vulnerable, when our salaries aren't enough to satisfy our basic needs, I really don't know what's going to happen.
Likewise, we are all vulnerable, and those who have spent their entire lives working for nothing are even more vulnerable. Now, the vulnerable are those who have never contributed anything to this society or those who make a baby every night, just by moving the bed.
Inflation, economic crisis, social inequality, social indiscipline, penetration of foreign cultures, increase in alcohol consumption and others, worsening of... exodus, in short, search for other destinations in remote places on this Planet.
Where are we going to end up?
And now that store of the
World 0, MORE THAN THE 1st.
I don't understand that the MLc Within the country, they do not have the same value as the dollar because to have it, you have to produce enough currency for the country. This is unfair and a disincentive for those who work. I hope it is analyzed and resolved because it goes against production.
4600 is the salary of a graduate, a professional. Here, there are salaries of 3500 and even 2100. Divide it up to see how much you get; I don't think it's enough for a croquette.