A resident of Camagüey has raised alarms about the sale of foul-smelling, dirty rice at a state-run store in the La Rubia neighborhood, sparking a flood of reactions on social media from others who claim to have encountered similar products in various areas.
Carlos Pimentel Esquijarosa took to Facebook to report that this questionable rice was being sold for 155 pesos at the local store, portraying it as some sort of revolutionary triumph, despite the stench and filth that made it questionable to even call it rice. Pimentel recounted his shock upon seeing the product and said he refused to buy it due to its unbearable odor and filthy appearance. He described the situation as a blatant disrespect towards the population, voicing his outrage over the quality of food distributed through the state-run commerce system.
The Camagüey resident's post aimed to showcase to the world how "communism treats ordinary people." In his frustration, he questioned the government's perception of its citizens: “What does this government think we are?” and further lamented, “How much longer will this cursed dictatorship continue to treat us like dogs?”
The post, which included photos and a video, struck a chord with many netizens, who supported the complaint and linked it to the severe food crisis gripping the nation. Some comments suggested that the rice might have come from long-stored reserves, sold off in a deteriorated state while food donations are used to refill these reserves.
This publication also highlighted the prevailing frustration among many Cubans about the decline in basic food quality. Several comments described the situation as "abuse" or an indication of the extreme hardship faced by the populace.
In recent years, rice—an essential staple of the Cuban diet—has been plagued by supply issues in the state distribution network and a consistent price increase in the informal market. Reports since late 2025 indicated that the product had surpassed 300 pesos per pound in the black market, reflecting the drop in supply and the weakening purchasing power of the population.
Experts, including economists, have consistently reported a sharp decline in national rice production over recent decades, criticizing the government's ineffective policies in addressing this crisis. The distribution of rice through the rationed family basket remains irregular across various provinces, with frequent delays extending months beyond the scheduled delivery dates and in severely limited quantities. This forces most families to seek alternatives in informal markets or rely on remittances and food packages sent from abroad.
For many, including Carlos Pimentel Esquijarosa, this specific issue cannot be separated from the broader national crisis. “No to hunger. No to misery. No to deception. No more dictatorship,” he declared in his denunciation.
Cuban Rice Crisis: Key Questions Answered
What has caused the decline in rice quality in Cuba?
The decline is attributed to long-stored reserves sold after deterioration and ineffective government policies that have not addressed falling national production.
How has the rice shortage affected Cuban households?
Cuban households face irregular distribution schedules, forcing them to rely on informal markets or remittances for their rice supply.
What are the economic consequences of the rice shortage?
The shortage has led to inflated prices in the black market, severely impacting the purchasing power of the Cuban populace.