The Ministry of Domestic Trade (Mincin) acknowledged on Friday that the distribution of rice donated by China is riddled with significant disparities and delays caused by a shortage of fuel, amidst growing public frustration.
According to the official statement, residents in the provinces of Havana, Mayabeque, Santiago de Cuba, and Isla de la Juventud have each received three pounds of rice per person following its arrival at the ports of Havana and Santiago de Cuba.
In contrast, provinces such as Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Matanzas, and Guantánamo are in the midst of active distribution. Meanwhile, Villa Clara, Cienfuegos, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, and Camagüey are experiencing delays, with distribution slated to start in July at a rate of three pounds per consumer.
This month, Mincin announced different allocations: eight pounds per person in Las Tunas, Holguín, and Granma; five pounds in Santiago de Cuba and Guantánamo; three pounds in Havana and Isla de la Juventud; and four pounds in Pinar del Río, combining the Chinese donation with resources from the Cuba-Vietnam Project.
The official announcement admitted that "distribution is being carried out gradually based on fuel availability," a statement that sparked a wave of criticism and sarcasm in public comments.
"How amusing, based on fuel availability, I can't stop laughing," commented one citizen. Another from Cienfuegos summed up the sentiment in her province: "Cienfuegos will keep eating flour or sand; if it depends on fuel availability, we're in trouble."
The public’s skepticism is not without reason. A resident from Holguín reported still waiting for the six pounds promised in April: "It's already July 10, and we're still waiting for the six pounds of rice promised in April, a donation from China... please, seriousness and transparency in the information."
From Guantánamo, another citizen reported receiving only three pounds when five were announced. In Sagua de Tánamo, a municipality in Holguín, the six pounds for May had yet to arrive at many stores: "If it ever arrives, it's uncertain," wrote a local resident.
In Villa Clara, another person complained: "And what about the ones still missing in Santa Clara from the first four? Or have they forgotten about those? It's a complete deception."
This announcement is set against months of accumulated delays in distributing the Chinese donation. The rice is part of an emergency package approved by Chinese President Xi Jinping in January: 60,000 tons of rice and $80 million in financial assistance.
Adding to an initial commitment of 30,000 tons, China's total promised aid to Cuba through 2026 amounts to 90,000 tons.
The second shipment, consisting of 15,000 tons, arrived in Havana on May 23 and took almost 29 days to unload—three times the original 10-day timeline—due to fuel shortages.
The third batch reached the port of Santiago de Cuba on June 28 aboard the CHL Neptune vessel.
This situation unfolds amid an unprecedented food crisis in Cuba, where the country produces less than 20% of the rice it consumes. Nearly 97% of the population lacks adequate food access, and about 34% of households have had at least one member go to bed hungry in the last 30 days.
In the informal market, rice costs over 400 pesos per pound, while the average state salary is around 7,000 pesos per month.
While the regime announces figures on a map, a resident from Pilón, Granma, put it into perspective: "We haven't seen rice since December 2025."
FAQs on Chinese Rice Distribution in Cuba
Why is the distribution of Chinese rice delayed in Cuba?
The delays are primarily due to fuel shortages, which hinder the transportation and distribution of the rice across various provinces.
Which provinces have received the Chinese rice donation?
Provinces like Havana, Mayabeque, Santiago de Cuba, and Isla de la Juventud have already received their allocations, while others are still waiting.
How does the current food crisis affect Cuban citizens?
Cuba's food crisis has led to inadequate access to essential foods for 97% of the population, with 34% of households experiencing hunger in the past month.