A Brazilian tourist recently took to social media to highlight the dire conditions in Cuba's scarce MLC markets, pointing out that alcoholic beverages are the only products that are consistently available. Lawyer Agnaldo Borges (@agnaldo_borges) posted on TikTok about his observations in Cuban markets located in tourist areas, noting that only a few essential items were available, while alcohol was plentiful.
Among the limited products he found were Café Serrano (26.14 MLC) and shelves filled with bottled water. "Plenty of nothing," the tourist quipped, showing that most shelves were completely empty. "Alcohol is never missing," he pointed out, showcasing the abundance of liquor bottles. Another tourist commented in Portuguese, "If you stay here long enough, even people will start being sold."
The man also noted that shelves were filled with cookies, indicating that the scarcity of essential goods observed at this market is likely mirrored in other similar locations. In his video, the Brazilian tourist mentioned that he couldn't film inside the store as someone had questioned his intention behind recording.
He concluded by stating, "Throughout Cuba, alcoholic beverages are never in short supply." After visiting Cuba, many tourists take to social media to share their experiences of the economic crisis affecting the country. Reports describe "scarce food and lines of up to two hours just to get a piece of meat," as seen in the Meliá Las Dunas hotel in Cayo Santa María, located in the northern part of Villa Clara province.
A recent visitor to the hotel described the situation as "shameful" in a statement to CiberCuba. The recent launch of the import company Mesol, managed by Meliá Hotels International in Cuba, has further highlighted the severe supply shortages on the island. Although the official press has presented this initiative as an effective solution to maintain the quality of hotels under the Spanish chain, it actually underscores the Cuban government's failure to ensure the provision of essential goods for both its population and commercial partners.
Understanding the Crisis in Cuban MLC Markets
To provide a comprehensive view of the issues raised in the article, we've compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers about the crisis in Cuban MLC markets.
What are MLC markets in Cuba?
MLC markets are stores in Cuba that sell goods in foreign currency, specifically in freely convertible currency (MLC), which includes currencies like the US dollar and the Euro.
Why is there a scarcity of essential goods in Cuban MLC markets?
The scarcity of essential goods in Cuban MLC markets is primarily due to the country's ongoing economic crisis, which has been exacerbated by government inefficiencies and external factors such as the US embargo.
Why are alcoholic beverages always available in these markets?
Alcoholic beverages are often prioritized in Cuban MLC markets because they generate significant revenue for the government, as tourists and locals alike purchase them frequently.