A Cuban woman named Ololoddi Arlenys shared a heartfelt post on Facebook that encapsulates the anguish felt by millions on the island. She went out to buy basic groceries and returned home "nearly empty-handed" because her money fell short, not even covering half of what she needed.
"What we're going through is inhumane," the young woman expressed, detailing the exorbitant prices she encountered at the market: a liter of oil costing between 6,000 pesos and more; a carton of eggs priced at 4,200 pesos; a package of chicken at 11,300 pesos; ten sausages for 1,100 pesos; pork per pound ranging from 1,500 to 1,900 pesos; and a kilo of rice at 800 pesos.
Her conclusion was blunt: "And what's the point of continuing? Even working ourselves to death doesn't solve anything."
Inflation Hits Cuban Households Hard
This testimony comes at a time when official annual inflation in Cuba hit 20.70% in July 2026, according to data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI). The food and beverage sector was the main driver, contributing 63.18% to the overall consumer price index increase that month.
However, independent estimates suggest that the real inflation rate in the informal market is around 70% annually, significantly higher than the official figure.
Government Policies and Their Consequences
The surge in prices can be traced back to Resolution 150/2026 from the Ministry of Finance and Prices, signed by Minister Vladimir Regueiro Ale and published on June 20 in the Official Gazette. This resolution removed price caps on essential imported goods like oil, chicken pieces, powdered milk, pasta, and sausages, overturning previous regulations that set maximum prices.
Even Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged on June 18 that these price caps "failed to curb inflation," leading to shortages, illegal trade, and reduced revenue. Consequently, oil prices skyrocketed from approximately 1,500 pesos in April to over 4,000 pesos in August, with peaks reaching 7,000 pesos in some areas.
The Widening Gap Between Wages and Prices
The disparity between these prices and Cuban incomes is staggering. The average official salary is around 6,930 pesos per month, which translates to between 12 and 15 dollars at the informal exchange rate. The minimum wage, set at 3,210 pesos since July 2026, amounts to less than five dollars.
Economist Javier Pérez Capdevila estimated that a Cuban family needs at least 96,060 pesos monthly to meet basic needs, with 70,070 pesos allocated solely for food.
Widespread Outcry on Social Media
Ololoddi Arlenys's account is not an isolated incident. Throughout August, numerous Cubans have taken to social media with similar complaints about the difficulty of feeding themselves with dignity.
Some municipalities, such as Matanzas, Villa Clara, and Isla de la Juventud, have attempted to enforce local reference price caps—110 pesos for eggs, 2,500 pesos per liter of oil—that the informal market consistently ignores.
"And what's the point of continuing? Even working ourselves to death doesn't solve anything," Ololoddi Arlenys concluded her post, with a sentiment echoed by thousands of Cubans.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Crisis
Why are Cuban citizens experiencing such high prices?
The removal of price caps on essential goods by the Cuban government has led to a significant rise in prices, compounded by inflation and economic mismanagement.
What impact does inflation have on Cuban families?
Inflation drastically reduces the purchasing power of Cuban families, making it difficult to afford basic necessities, and exacerbating the economic hardship faced by many.
How are people in Cuba reacting to the economic conditions?
Many Cubans have taken to social media to express their frustration and desperation over the rising cost of living and the inability to provide for their families.