A stroll through a bustling market in La Güinera, located in Havana's Arroyo Naranjo municipality, has once again highlighted the severe economic crisis faced by Cubans. Instagram user @yusdanmartinez posted a video showcasing the prices of essential goods, admitting to being "shocked" after shopping there.
"I went to La Güinera today and was blown away by the prices. I had no choice but to get what I needed," the young man remarks at the start of the video, which has garnered over 1,100 likes and more than a hundred comments.
The video drew attention not just for the prices but for its accompanying message. "Utopia is a distant dream, as every time I opened my wallet, everything subtracted," he wrote, clearly referencing Miguel Díaz-Canel's comments during a July 20th interview with RT en Español.
This phrase was widely critiqued and sparked numerous memes and ironic comments on social media, where many Cubans viewed it as an evasive response to the country's worsening economic situation.
Shocking Prices Anger Shoppers
In his market walkthrough, @yusdanmartinez highlighted the cost of several basic items:
- Powdered detergent (500 grams): 750 pesos.
- Rice: 680 pesos per kilogram.
- Tomato paste: 510 pesos.
- A bottle of bleach: 750 pesos.
- Liquid detergent: 450 pesos.
- Two bars of laundry soap: 260 pesos.
- A bottle of oil: 2,600 pesos.
The exorbitant price of the oil is particularly telling of the declining purchasing power on the island. It represents about 81% of the minimum monthly wage, which was increased from 2,100 to 3,210 pesos as of July 1, 2026.
Beware of "Original" Scams
Beyond the prices, the young man used his platform to warn other shoppers about common tricks employed by some vendors.
"Watch out for anyone who says 'original, original.' Be cautious. It might be genuine, but if they repeat it too often, be wary of scams," he advised with a lighthearted tone.
He also joked about the futility of trying to profit by reselling goods bought at these markets.
"You can't buy and resell for profit anymore," he chuckled.
An Economic Reality Beyond Official Discourse
The video emerges amid a backdrop of economic decline. According to the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI), Cuba's annual inflation rate reached 18.27% in June 2026. Economists estimate that families require tens of thousands of pesos monthly to meet basic needs, a figure far exceeding state salaries.
While the government attempts to defend its approach and downplay criticisms following Díaz-Canel's "utopia" remark, posts like @yusdanmartinez's continue to gain traction, humorously and ironically capturing the daily struggles of countless Cubans.
The content creator concluded his tour with a phrase summarizing the video’s tone: "I bought my peanut bar to keep my jaw moving."
A way to laugh at a reality that, for many on the island, remains far removed from any utopian vision.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Struggles
What triggered the economic crisis in Cuba?
Cuba's economic crisis is a result of longstanding inefficiencies in its socialist system, combined with external factors such as the U.S. embargo and recent global economic challenges.
How are Cubans coping with rising prices?
Many Cubans are struggling to meet basic needs amid soaring prices, often relying on remittances from relatives abroad, bartering, and alternative markets to survive.
What is the government’s response to the economic situation?
The Cuban government has tried to manage the economic crisis by adjusting salaries and attempting to attract foreign investment, though many criticize these efforts as insufficient.