A Cuban woman took to Instagram this past Sunday, sharing a video that exposes the alarming price hikes at a local market. She equated the current economic paralysis and public desperation to a state of "curfew" in the country.
"I just returned from the market, folks, and it's unbelievable how prices can soar so much in just two days," she exclaimed in the video, which was shared on the account of user Irma Lidia Broek.
The prices she highlighted underscore the relentless inflation eroding the purchasing power of Cubans: a sack of charcoal priced at 3,500 Cuban pesos (CUP), local rice—"which isn't top quality"—at 250 CUP, and a liter of oil (950 milliliters) going for 1,800 CUP, with other vendors asking as much as 2,000 CUP.
"I don't know what's going to happen to the Cuban people when more than 90% of the population is unemployed," she lamented, visibly distressed.
Escalating Prices and Economic Struggles
Her account is far from isolated. Reports from June 2026 had already documented charcoal prices ranging from 2,800 to 5,000 CUP per sack depending on the region, and oil between 1,150 and 2,000 CUP. In such conditions, prices seem to rise weekly while wages remain stagnant.
With the scarcity of gas and electricity, charcoal has become a vital necessity, pushing its price higher. Cuba's fuel imports were a mere 7,200 barrels per day from January to April 2026, against a requirement of 60,000. This shortage drives up costs for transportation, production, and food distribution.
Widening Economic Disparity
The official average salary stands at approximately 6,930 CUP per month, yet a family needs at least 96,060 CUP monthly to meet basic needs, with 70,070 CUP allocated solely for food. This disparity leaves the average Cuban salary barely enough for essentials.
Official annual inflation reached 15.89% in May 2026, with the food and beverages sector contributing significantly to the increase. However, independent estimates suggest the real inflation rate is closer to 70% per year, with a cumulative rate exceeding 200% between 2024 and 2026.
The monetary crisis further complicates the situation: this past Saturday, the dollar traded at 655 CUP on the informal market, with no official exchange rate available, reflecting the severe economic collapse. Currency values have hit record highs again this week.
Societal Unrest and Protests
In April 2026, over 1,100 protests were recorded across Cuba, illustrating the social discontent that has built up after years of continuous decline.
"Everything feels like it's under curfew. There's nothing here, nothing works right now," the woman concluded in her video. "If you have a relative, take a picture because when they visit, they might say, no, that's not you."
Understanding Cuba's Economic Crisis
What are the current inflation rates in Cuba?
Officially, the annual inflation rate was 15.89% in May 2026, but independent estimates suggest it could be around 70% per year.
How has the fuel shortage affected Cuba's economy?
The shortage of fuel imports, which were only 7,200 barrels per day compared to a need for 60,000, has increased costs for transportation, production, and food distribution.
Why is charcoal a necessity in Cuba?
Due to the lack of gas and electricity, charcoal has become essential for cooking, resulting in a spike in its price.