Ana María Ferras, a Cuban living in the United States, voiced her outrage on Monday after discovering that a liter of cooking oil in Cuba now costs a staggering 4,000 pesos, an amount surpassing the island's current monthly minimum wage.
In a video shared on her Facebook account, Ferras recounts receiving a message from her mother about the new oil price, a revelation that left her deeply troubled given its impact on those in Cuba who rely on wages or pensions.
"Where does it end? How long will this last? [...] It's absurd that our people have fallen to this level [...] so many people can't even afford half a liter of oil," she states, her voice filled with emotion. The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 159,000 views and more than 10,000 likes in just a few days.
Ferras also used the opportunity to highlight the sacrifices involved in emigrating to support family members still in Cuba. She explained that she has been living in the U.S. for two years, working tirelessly every day, even when sick. She recalled leaving her daughter at age four and missing her son's 15th birthday.
"Here, you work yourself to the bone to help your family, because many of us here don't want to be," she remarked, reflecting on Cuba's situation.
She added, "Poor my country. It's truly too much now, and the Cuban people do nothing, enduring endless hardships and humiliations. They keep going, but I don't know for how long because no one will solve the problem unless the people themselves do."
The Impact of Rising Prices
The surge in prices began after the Ministry of Finance and Prices' Resolution 150/2026 took effect on June 20, removing retail price caps on several imported foods, including cooking oil. Until then, the official cap for a liter was 990 pesos.
Without these caps, prices have escalated rapidly. In April, a liter of oil was around 1,500 pesos; by June, it reached 2,000 pesos; by late July, it was sold for 2,500 pesos in Havana and soared to 3,000 pesos in Sancti Spíritus in less than a day.
In early August, a resident of Havana reported that the price had hit 4,000 pesos, with some users claiming it has reached 5,000 pesos in certain areas.
Public Outcry and Economic Strain
Among the numerous reactions on social media, Miyaray Driggs Robert's comment resonated with many: "What I earn in wages has to go toward oil, so what do I eat, oil? I can't buy anything else. Up to 5,000, it doesn't stop," she wrote, capturing the essence of the inflation crisis.
The situation is even grimmer when compared to official incomes. As of July 1, Cuba's monthly minimum wage is set at 3,210 pesos, less than the cost of a single liter of oil in many informal markets.
Economists estimate that an individual requires approximately 96,060 pesos monthly to meet basic needs. Inflation is also affecting other staples, with eggs costing 320 pesos each and up to 7,500 pesos per carton in some provinces. In Matanzas, a bag of powdered milk has reached 6,500 pesos.
Amid this economic turmoil, Guantánamo's municipal government announced a "reference price" of 2,200 pesos for oil, although they clarified that it is not a maximum price and warned of fines, confiscations, and temporary closures for non-compliance with regulations.
Cuban Economic Crisis: Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the increase in oil prices in Cuba?
The spike in cooking oil prices in Cuba followed the implementation of Resolution 150/2026, which removed retail price caps on several imported goods, leading to constant price hikes.
How does the current oil price compare to the minimum wage in Cuba?
The current price of a liter of oil, at 4,000 pesos, exceeds the monthly minimum wage in Cuba, which is set at 3,210 pesos, highlighting the economic challenges facing many citizens.
What other essential goods are affected by inflation in Cuba?
Besides cooking oil, inflation has impacted the prices of basic goods such as eggs and powdered milk, with eggs reaching 320 pesos each and powdered milk bags costing up to 6,500 pesos in some areas.