The Cuban government denied on Monday a circulating announcement about new measures to "correct distortions" on various social media platforms. The Ministry of Domestic Trade (Mincin) posted on X that the news being spread, concerning supposed adjustments in the basic rationed basket related to new measures to correct distortions in the Cuban economy, is false.
In its statement, Mincin reminded the public that the situation of the basket was recently explained in official media outlets. Additionally, it urged the population to stay informed through the ministry's official channels.
In reality, shortages of products that the regime rations for its population will continue through September. Cubans will miss out on coffee and oil, there are distribution gaps in sugar, and the allocated pounds of other items have not been completed for another consecutive month, while authorities continue to call for "creative resistance."
Continued Shortages and Official Responses
According to statements made to official media by Betsy Díaz Velázquez, Minister of Domestic Trade, "We do not expect to have oil or coffee in September, just as there was none in August." Although the shortages in rice will not be entirely addressed, the minister noted that 12 provinces will now complete the seven pounds of rice for the August rationed family basket.
The most affected will be the residents of Santiago de Cuba, who will receive six pounds of rice, Granma with four or five pounds, and Guantánamo, which is supposed to complete the seven pounds per capita, according to a report from the state-run Cuban News Agency.
Sugar remains another problematic product, as the government has yet to solve the shortage, one of the most in-demand items especially at the start of the school year and for student snacks. Alternatives such as importing some volumes are being explored.
On a more positive note, it appears that Cuban residents will at least have salt and peas this September. However, the availability of salt varies depending on the region of the country where the consumer resides.
"A ship with 2,800 tons is in the port of Havana, which will allow us to catch up with the western provinces, while for the central and eastern parts of the country, deliveries will be made using railcars and containers from the eastern salt mines," the minister specified.
Additionally, a shipment of peas is expected to arrive, a product that was secured during June, July, and August. A ship unloaded in Santiago de Cuba, and another quantity was previously offloaded in Cienfuegos, with efforts underway for its transportation, she added.
Despite insufficient national food production, foreign currency shortages for imports, and a fuel crisis affecting transportation, the Cuban regime affirmed last July that it would maintain the rationed family basket, albeit acknowledging the lack of resources.
"Almost all the products in the family basket have to be imported, and this is the priority when allocating foreign currency for investment," stated Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz during a session of the Commission on Services Attention, prior to the third ordinary session of the tenth legislature.
It's worth recalling that at the start of July, residents of Holguín received the overdue rice that the government owed them from June. A similar scenario was experienced throughout the eastern part of the island.
FAQs on Cuban Government's Economic Measures and Shortages
In light of the ongoing economic issues and government measures in Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions that can provide further insights into the current situation.
Why did the Cuban government deny the announcement about new economic measures?
The Cuban government denied the announcement as it was deemed false information circulating on social media platforms. The Ministry of Domestic Trade clarified that the situation of the basic rationed basket was recently explained in official media.
What products are currently in shortage in Cuba?
Cuba is facing shortages of essential items such as coffee, oil, and sugar. Additionally, there are gaps in the distribution of rice and other rationed items.
How is the Cuban government addressing the food shortages?
The government is exploring alternatives such as importing certain volumes of essential products. They have also secured shipments of peas and salt to help mitigate the shortages.
What is the Cuban government's stance on the rationed family basket?
Despite the economic challenges, the Cuban government stated that it would maintain the rationed family basket. However, they acknowledged the lack of resources and the need to import almost all the products included in the basket.