Supermarket at 3rd and 70: A Month Later, the Dollar-Only Store Faces Criticism

Nearly a month after its opening in Havana, the dollar-only supermarket at 3rd and 70 remains fairly well-stocked. However, some shelves are empty, and prices are beyond the reach of most Cubans. A video recorded by CiberCuba on Monday shows aisles filled with both local and imported goods, a stark contrast to the shortages seen in stores that trade in Cuban pesos or MLC (Moneda Libremente Convertible).

This supermarket, primarily catering to those receiving remittances from abroad or foreign residents in Cuba, has sparked a wave of criticism. The sales are conducted in a currency that is largely inaccessible to the majority of Cubans. "It's humiliating how they demean a people who are in misery," commented one user, highlighting the economic divide between those who can afford to shop in dollars and those who rely on insufficient rationed products.

The recent opening of this store, along with announcements of more dollarized sectors like car sales, has influenced the informal currency exchange market. After a dip last December, when the dollar traded below 300 pesos, prices have surged again, making it even harder for the average Cuban to access foreign currency.

"The supermarket is a disrespect. In a country where no one earns a salary in dollars, it's outrageous that only benefits the government," expressed another internet user, echoing widespread sentiment. Prices exceed those found in international markets and are unaffordable for those without external financial support.

As criticism mounts, the 3rd and 70 supermarket has become a symbol of economic and social inequality in Cuba, where dollarization exacerbates the daily crisis faced by ordinary Cubans.