This Wednesday, Artemisa province became the latest to adopt price control measures, aligning with several other Cuban provinces. The enforcement of Resolution 115 of 2026, issued by Governor Ricardo Concepción Rodríguez, establishes a maximum commercial margin of 30% for both wholesale and retail transactions across all economic actors in the region.
Unlike some approaches in other areas, this regulation specifies that the 30% margin is to be applied only once during the wholesale and retail stages, based on the total product cost. Subsequent retail stages cannot add additional margins.
However, the policy overlooks the reality of inflation-driven economies where acquisition costs may continue to rise. Without the ability to adjust margins, certain products could become unprofitable and disappear from store shelves.
Public Skepticism and Criticism
The decision quickly sparked widespread public criticism, highlighting several issues. Unlike Villa Clara, Matanzas, or Pinar del Río, Artemisa's resolution does not provide a list of reference prices or specify how long the controls will remain in effect.
"How can the public know if the resolution is being violated? People have no way to verify that the offered price matches what has been set," wrote Dayami Duque Torres. "Prices sky-high and everything seems in order. Artemisa does as it pleases."
The lack of specific figures renders the regulation ineffective for many residents: "Who’s going to enforce this?" questioned Angelo Di Liceo succinctly.
Manuel Silvio Menéndez was more forthright: "How do they plan to ensure compliance with this resolution? With inspectors? Don’t make me laugh."
Concerns Over Practical Implementation
In Güira de Melena, part of the same province, a local citizen noted that oil continues to be sold at 4,000 Cuban pesos in local microenterprises, underscoring doubts about the resolution's immediate impact on market prices.
Ernesto Rodríguez summed up the skepticism about the resolution’s effectiveness: "They will fall into the same old trap, cap prices, products disappear... then they reappear at double or triple the price, never learning from past mistakes."
Livia Herrera acknowledged that Artemisa is "the only governor who has specified a defined commercial margin," but emphasized the overarching sentiment: "now it’s essential that there’s actual oversight."
National Trend and Policy Conflicts
Artemisa's measures align with a national trend that gained momentum in early August. Villa Clara set specific margins and prices last Friday; Matanzas followed suit with reference values for oil, chicken, rice, and eggs; and Pinar del Río capped the retail price of oil at 2,150 pesos.
This Wednesday, Holguín announced it would also ensure that margins do not exceed 30% on basic goods, clarifying that it does not constitute price capping.
These provincial actions clash with the 176 economic measures approved by the National Assembly in June 2026, which included partial price liberalization and the removal of administrative controls.
Even Díaz-Canel conceded at the time that price ceilings "led to shortages" and declared the end of that widespread policy.
Understanding Artemisa's Price Control Measures
What does Artemisa's Resolution 115 entail?
Resolution 115 sets a maximum commercial margin of 30% for wholesale and retail transactions, applied once based on the total product cost, with no additional margins allowed in further retail stages.
Why are residents skeptical about the resolution?
Residents are concerned due to the lack of reference prices and the absence of enforcement mechanisms, making it difficult for the public to verify compliance with the regulation.
How does this policy conflict with national economic measures?
The provincial price controls are at odds with the national push for partial price liberalization and the elimination of administrative controls, as endorsed by the National Assembly in June 2026.