A resident of the Isle of Youth in Cuba ignited a significant online debate after voicing her frustration over the sharp rise in the price of cooking oil. Within just a week, the cost of a bottle had soared from 2,600 to 4,500 pesos, a surge she blamed on both governmental policies and the exploitation by some vendors.
Yaneisa Peña Turró shared on Facebook an incident she described as emblematic of the struggles faced by countless Cuban families. While shopping, she overheard a woman questioning a store clerk about the sudden price increase.
The response, she claims, was stark and to the point.
“That's your president's fault for removing price caps. Now the business owner can charge whatever they want. It's all about supply and demand,” the employee reportedly replied.
Peña Turró recounted her own inability to purchase the oil. Her money was only enough for a can of condensed milk for her children, priced at 900 pesos. She also found one-kilogram packages of powdered milk costing 5,500 pesos, but they were only available for cash transactions due to the shop's connectivity issues.
Impact of New Government Measures
The price hikes started after the Ministry of Finance and Prices enacted Resolution 150/2026 on June 20, which lifted the price ceilings on several high-demand imported foods, including cooking oil, chicken cuts, powdered milk, pasta, and sausages.
Since the implementation, oil prices have continued to climb nationwide. In some regions, a liter already surpasses 2,500 pesos, with users in the comments section of Peña Turró's post reporting prices ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 pesos, depending on the area.
Blame Shared Between Government and Businesses
While Peña Turró held the government accountable for removing price caps, she also criticized some micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (mipyme) owners.
“Yes, it's the president's and his representatives' fault, but the mipyme bosses are equally to blame. They don't help the population, neither with transfers nor with fair pricing. They're all cut from the same cloth,” she commented.
Broader Economic Challenges
The post attracted numerous reactions. Some users pointed out that the rising dollar no longer solely accounts for the escalating food costs. Others highlighted the scarcity of goods and issues related to banking system reforms as worsening factors.
In July, the Central Bank of Cuba eased certain cash usage restrictions after acknowledging the difficulties merchants and consumers faced with electronic payments.
This situation unfolds against a backdrop where state salaries remain far below the basic food costs, with inflation continuously eroding the purchasing power of Cubans.
Call for Change
The post concludes with a reflection capturing the sentiments of many on the island.
“Why can't we organize a peaceful march against the abuse and hardships we've endured for years, like people do elsewhere in the world? Why can't we do it without violence?” she questioned.
And she answered herself:
“We can't… That's the utopia I've held onto for years: to freely express my rights without violence and without being arrested.”
Understanding Cuba's Economic Struggles
Why did the price of oil increase so drastically in Cuba?
The price increase is attributed to the government's removal of price caps on imported goods and the subsequent actions of some vendors who exploit this deregulation.
How have government policies affected food prices in Cuba?
Government policies, specifically the lifting of maximum prices for certain imported foods, have led to significant price increases, affecting affordability for many Cubans.
What challenges do Cuban consumers face with electronic payments?
Cuban consumers face challenges with electronic payments due to connectivity issues and the limited acceptance of digital transactions, forcing reliance on cash.