In an effort to curb the rising costs of essential goods, interdisciplinary teams of inspectors are conducting price control operations across markets and businesses in Camagüey. This initiative, aimed at tackling exorbitant prices for staples like oil, chicken, and ground meat, will continue until September 15, according to reports from Radio Cadena Agramonte, also shared by Radio Camagüey on Facebook. However, citizens have responded with deep skepticism.
Radio Cadena Agramonte clarified that the goal is not to shut down businesses but to regulate prices and enforce mandatory electronic payments. Despite this, violations have been detected, particularly involving essential items, with some businesses reportedly closing their doors in anticipation of inspectors. This resistance is a common complaint, with shops resuming their usual practices once inspectors leave.
One local resident shared their experience, stating, "In Palomino, oil is priced at 3,600 pesos or more. Of course, there's none available during inspections, and many small businesses remain closed until the inspectors leave. It's always the same, and nothing changes." Another pointed out that certain establishments on Cuba Street refuse electronic payments or limit them to 1,000 pesos: "This can't be a one-time thing; it needs to be systematic and daily."
Underlying Issues and Regulatory Decisions
The situation is rooted in a specific regulatory decision. On June 20, Minister Vladimir Regueiro Ale signed Resolution 150/2026, which removed retail price caps on items such as cut chicken, cooking oils, powdered milk, pasta, and sausages. Since this resolution, the price of oil has skyrocketed from around 1,500 pesos in April to over 4,000 pesos in August, reaching as high as 7,000 pesos in certain areas.
This price surge has hit the most vulnerable populations the hardest. Radio Cadena Agramonte highlighted that "the population, particularly retirees, faces a distressing reality: a single bottle of oil can cost more than the minimum wage." As of June, the minimum wage was set at 3,210 pesos per month. One resident questioned if retirees would be allowed to pay for oil priced at 2,150 pesos via bank transfer.
The Ineffectiveness of Current Measures
Critics argue that penalties and confiscations are inadequate without long-term strategies. Similar operations in other provinces have produced questionable outcomes: in Guantánamo, 29 fines totaling 198,360 pesos were issued, and four businesses were closed for repeated offenses; in Las Tunas, over 4,000 inspections were conducted, identifying 24 individuals for price gouging.
Even Camagüey’s inspectors acknowledge the need for "prevention and economic culture" and promise ongoing monitoring. Yet, the public remains frustrated, asking, "Where are the results of these inspections if prices continue to rise?"
Experts have long noted that the government's strategy of regulating or capping prices, a longstanding approach to quell public dissatisfaction, remains ineffective as it fails to address the underlying problem: increasing the production and availability of necessary goods.
Understanding Camagüey's Price Control Efforts
What is the purpose of the inspection teams in Camagüey?
The inspection teams in Camagüey aim to regulate prices of essential goods and enforce mandatory electronic payments to combat exorbitant pricing.
Why are Camagüey residents skeptical about the inspections?
Residents are skeptical because, despite inspections, prices continue to rise, and businesses often evade regulations by closing during inspections.
How has Resolution 150/2026 impacted prices in Camagüey?
Resolution 150/2026, which lifted retail price caps on several goods, has led to significant price increases, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.