The Cuban comedian Loky Kubah has taken the internet by storm with a satirical sketch that humorously highlights a daily struggle faced by many Cubans: the relentless rise in cooking oil prices as customers scramble to gather enough money.
The video has garnered over 1.4 million views, depicting a customer at a small business inquiring about the price of oil, only to be told it costs 2,500 pesos. He leaves to find the money, and upon his return, the price has already jumped to 3,000 pesos. Just five minutes later, the vendor informs him, "The price just went up to 3,500 pesos."
Comments on the video were overwhelmingly similar. For Cubans, it wasn't just a joke—it was a reflection of their harsh reality.
"It seems funny, but it's the truth; the abuse is too much," one viewer commented. Another succinctly summarized the situation: "It has one price now, and when you turn around, it's different."
One commenter took a more ironic approach: "Prices rise according to morning and afternoon hours, even based on your appearance."
Some comments highlighted the financial strain these prices impose. "It's disrespectful. My pension is 3,000 pesos. How do I buy everything else?" a user questioned.
Reporting from the Havana neighborhood of Alamar, another noted, "There's none available, and a small business today had 3 liters for 9,500 pesos. It's terrifying."
One commenter listed other basic product prices: "Oil 3,000, charcoal 2,500, rice 750 per pound, bread 150, sugar 450 per pound."
Another posed the question that no one in the government seems to answer: "What is the Ministry of Finance and Prices doing? They're not solving this issue."
Cooking Oil in Cuba: A Basic Necessity Out of Reach
Vegetable oil—primarily sunflower and soybean—is a staple in Cuban kitchens, used daily for frying and cooking. For years, it was distributed through the subsidized ration book system, but that method has vanished.
On June 6, 2026, Alberto López Díaz, the Minister of the Food Industry, publicly admitted, "This year, we haven't been able to supply oil," acknowledging the absence of chicken and yogurt from the rationed basket as well.
The surge in prices has been rapid: in April 2026, a liter cost around 1,500 pesos; by June, it rose to 1,800-2,000 pesos; by July, it reached 2,500 pesos in Havana and exceeded 3,000 pesos in several provinces.
In Sancti Spíritus, the price of a liter leaped from 2,000 to 3,000 pesos in less than 24 hours, a 50% increase.
The regulatory spark was the Ministry of Finance and Prices' Resolution 150/2026, issued on June 20, 2026, which removed retail price caps for imported cooking oils, abolishing the previous limit of 990 pesos per liter.
The Devastating Impact on Cuban Salaries
In July, the Cuban government set the minimum wage at 3,210 pesos per month, equivalent to less than 10 dollars per month on the informal exchange rate.
A bottle of oil can consume between 78% and over 100% of that monthly income. Economic estimates suggest a person needs about 96,000 pesos monthly to meet basic needs in Cuba, with more than 70,000 pesos dedicated solely to food.
The oil crisis has an unexpected dimension. Amid fuel shortages, some Cuban drivers mix sunflower oil with diesel to power tractors and old cars, further straining the supply available for human consumption.
"Oil prices rise like the dollar and the euro every day," summarized a Cuban in the video comments. "How long will this price race continue?" asked another.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Oil Price Crisis
Why are cooking oil prices rising so rapidly in Cuba?
Cooking oil prices in Cuba are escalating due to the removal of price caps on imported oils, insufficient local production, and economic mismanagement by the government, which has led to a volatile market.
What is the impact of high oil prices on Cuban households?
High oil prices severely affect Cuban households, consuming a significant portion of their monthly income and making it difficult to afford other essentials, thus exacerbating economic hardships.
How does the oil shortage affect other sectors in Cuba?
The oil shortage impacts other sectors by driving up costs for transportation and food production, leading to a broader economic strain and contributing to overall scarcity and inflation.