The Cuban regime has commenced the distribution of toothpaste for the March-April period in the municipality of Las Tunas, located in the province of the same name, particularly in the La Victoria area. This move aims to complete the missing products in the rationed basic basket.
The Provincial Government of Popular Power of the mentioned city announced on Facebook that the distribution began through the Empresa Universal, the entity responsible for handling the merchandise. However, the situation remains dire as many areas still face stock shortages, and the products that do arrive are often delayed.
Betsy Díaz Velázquez, the Minister of Domestic Trade, stated in official media that there is no planned distribution of oil and coffee for September, similar to the shortage experienced in August. In 2023, the situation reached a boiling point when a Cuban woman expressed her outrage on social media after discovering that the toothpaste included in the basic basket was in a liquid state.
Yadira Oliva, a resident of Santiago, shared a video on Facebook showing the toothpaste in a liquid form, which sparked a wave of criticism and laughter within the community. During the 2020 quarantine due to Covid-19, Minister Díaz Velázquez announced on the official Mesa Redonda program that the staggered arrival of rationed hygiene products to state-run stores on the island would occur. However, she warned at that time that toothpaste and detergent would not follow the same path as soap and could take up to three months to be added to the inventory.
During her appearance, the official presented the staggered sale of hygiene products across the island as an achievement. A total of 84 Cuban municipalities had received bath and laundry soap; however, the delivery of toothpaste and detergent was postponed, and the population had to wait up to three months to fulfill these offers within the so-called "basic basket."
FAQs on Toothpaste Distribution in Las Tunas
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers regarding the recent toothpaste distribution in Las Tunas and related issues.
Why is there a delay in the distribution of toothpaste in Cuba?
The delay in the distribution of toothpaste and other hygiene products is primarily due to stock shortages and logistical issues. The government has also cited economic constraints as a significant factor.
What products are missing from the basic basket in Cuba?
Currently, essential items such as oil, coffee, toothpaste, and detergent are missing from the basic basket. This has led to widespread frustration and criticism among the population.
How did the public react to the liquid toothpaste incident?
The public reacted with a mix of outrage and humor. The incident was widely criticized on social media, highlighting the deteriorating quality of essential goods distributed by the government.