The renowned Cuban musician, Cándido Fabré, has once again raised his voice, delivering a passionate message on Facebook condemning the exploitation by private sellers and the severe decline in purchasing power across Cuba.
"Private sellers are taking advantage of the people's suffering and need... they're constantly raising prices, refuse electronic transfers, and magnetic cards are useless. Poor retirees and workers without cash," the visibly upset artist expressed.
Fabré's message also mourned the erosion of human values and harshly criticized private transport providers: "Let's not even mention transportation; the private taxi drivers are ruthless, just like the rented buses. Deliver us, Lord, from so much nonsense."
This post echoes a widespread grievance in Cuba regarding the relentless surge in prices, the dominance of cash over electronic payments, and the feeling of helplessness among millions of Cubans amidst an unending economic crisis.
A Nation Overwhelmed by Soaring Prices
Fabré's words resonate with a broader context. In recent months, Cuba's cost of living has skyrocketed to what many deem unsustainable levels. According to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), the price of a pound of onions in August 2025 exceeded 1,000 pesos in cities like Camagüey and Santa Clara, while in other areas, it barely dropped below 300 pesos. This disparity and lack of regulation have turned inflation into an everyday adversary.
Adding to this reality are the stories of Cubans enduring the daily struggle for survival. A Havana mother, Alianis Leyva González, recently shared that she spends 400 pesos on bread for her child's weekly snacks, a figure starkly contrasting with the country's average monthly salary of around 2,100 pesos. Her story went viral, capturing a sentiment many share: that in Cuba, eating, dressing, or commuting has become a luxury.
Fabré's Plea: A Blend of Faith and Frustration
Fabré's message intertwines a denunciation with a spiritual release. "There's food, but how to reach it without money and without human values?" the artist wrote, appealing to collective conscience and faith as a haven.
His tone, both pained and defiant, mirrors the exhaustion of a population grappling with cash shortages, transport breakdowns, and institutional indifference.
While private businesses set unreachable prices and many refuse to accept transfer payments, retirees and workers navigate a landscape of queues, blackouts, and an increasingly dollarized economy.
Fabré, as a public figure with ties to the Cuban regime, has articulated the feelings of many: a sense that the people have been left to fend for themselves.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What are the main economic challenges faced by Cubans?
Cubans face numerous economic challenges including hyperinflation, a predominance of cash transactions over electronic payments, and a shortage of basic necessities. The country's economy is also increasingly dollarized, making survival difficult for those earning in pesos.
How are private sellers affecting the Cuban economy?
Private sellers in Cuba are often accused of exploiting the economic crisis by significantly raising prices and refusing electronic payments, thereby exacerbating the financial strain on the populace.
Why are electronic payments not widely accepted in Cuba?
The refusal to accept electronic payments is partly due to infrastructural challenges and a preference for cash, which is seen as more reliable in an unstable economic environment. Additionally, the currency's volatility makes electronic transactions less appealing.