The Provincial Government of Cienfuegos has decided to cap the prices of agricultural products available for free sale to the public. This measure was approved after recent massive protests in the Pearl of the South, where residents took to the streets to demand an end to power outages and call for freedom.
Resolution 103 is awaiting the signature of Governor Yolexis Rodríguez Armada. The regime is attempting to control food costs amid a growing economic, political, and social crisis in the country.
Resolution 103 sets maximum prices for a range of agricultural products, including:
Maximum Retail Prices (CUP):
Root Vegetables and Greens:
Sweet Potato: 20.00 CUP per pound
Cassava: 25.00 CUP per pound
Plantain (Cooking): 30.00 CUP per pound
Plantain (Green): 15.00 CUP per pound
Plantain (Fruit): 25.00 CUP per pound
Pumpkin: 15.00 CUP per pound
Tomato: 70.00 CUP per pound
Fruits:
Guava: 20.00 CUP per pound
Green Papaya: 15.00 CUP per pound
Ripe Papaya: 20.00 CUP per pound
Grains:
Fresh Corn: 15.00 CUP per unit
Cornmeal: 60.00 CUP per pound
Black Beans: 150.00 CUP per pound
Red Beans: 180.00 CUP per pound
White Beans: 180.00 CUP per pound
Chinese Beans: 60.00 CUP per pound
Cowpeas: 80.00 CUP per pound
Rice: 150.00 CUP per pound
The resolution also specifies that second-quality products will be sold at a 15% discount off the first-quality price, and out-of-standard products will have an additional 10% discount. Products sourced from other provinces will be sold with a 40% commercial margin, while street vendors can increase prices up to 30% over the established rates in the resolution's annex.
This decision comes after the intense demonstrations on May 28, where hundreds of Cienfuegos residents demanded freedom, an end to 12-hour blackouts, and a solution to food shortages. The situation in Cienfuegos reflects the growing discontent among the Cuban population due to the country's economic hardships and continuous power outages that make life unbearable on the island.
The implementation of this price control policy will be coordinated between the Provincial Agricultural Production Contracting Committee and the municipalities, ensuring consistent application throughout the territory. Governor Rodríguez Armada emphasized the importance of this measure to alleviate the economic burden on citizens and stabilize the local agricultural market.
The resolution will take effect on June 1, 2024, and is expected to help mitigate the effects of the food crisis in Cienfuegos. However, the effectiveness of these measures will be closely watched by the population, which continues to demand structural changes and sustainable long-term solutions.
The government warned that Resolution 103 replaces several previous provisions and will be notified to relevant authorities for immediate enforcement.
Implications of Price Cap on Agricultural Products in Cienfuegos
As the new price control measures come into effect, many questions arise regarding their impact and effectiveness in addressing the ongoing crisis. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
What is the purpose of Resolution 103?
Resolution 103 aims to cap the prices of agricultural products to control food costs amid the ongoing economic crisis in Cuba.
When will the price caps take effect?
The price caps will take effect on June 1, 2024.
How will the implementation of these measures be coordinated?
The implementation will be coordinated between the Provincial Agricultural Production Contracting Committee and the municipalities to ensure consistent application.
What discounts are specified for second-quality and out-of-standard products?
Second-quality products will have a 15% discount, and out-of-standard products will have an additional 10% discount.