The ongoing economic crisis in Cuba has led to some astonishing scenarios, such as charging 10 pesos just to light a cigarette in Havana. This unusual offer even caught the attention of a woman who decided to pay the fee to verify the service was indeed being offered.
This incident was shared on Facebook by Yulieta Hernández Díaz on Tuesday, sparking curiosity and disbelief among commenters. Hernández confirmed that she personally paid the 10 pesos after encountering the sign advertising the service.
"Yes, I paid because I saw the sign and couldn't believe it. So, I paid to confirm it," she explained in response to the comments.
The post quickly ignited a mix of surprise, humor, and criticism regarding the lengths people are going to generate income amidst the crisis. One user remarked, "Entrepreneurship driven by necessity is madness," recalling the old saying, "In times of trouble, sell tissues."
Another person joked, "Soon they'll charge you for saying 'good morning,' even if you don't want it. In Havana, even laughter is for sale."
Monetizing Basic Needs
The peculiar price also led to jokes about the limited purchasing power of the local currency. "Oh, look at that, 10 Cuban pesos are actually good for something. I thought they were useless," commented a user.
"New business unlocked," wrote another, while an internet user summarized with irony, "Long live the Cuban economy. Everything has a price!"
Some claimed to have witnessed similar situations. One woman mentioned that she recently saw the same service offered at a café.
Others approached the topic from a different angle. A smoker recounted how others frequently ask him for a light when he's sitting outside his house, questioning why someone who smokes regularly wouldn't carry matches or a lighter.
The Decline of Currency Value
The fact that the service costs exactly 10 Cuban pesos is noteworthy for another reason: this denomination has lost so much practical utility that in July, several private businesses in Santiago de Cuba were reported for refusing to accept bills of one, five, 10, and 20 pesos, even though they remain legal tender.
Moreover, monetizing basic necessities is not unheard of. Back in October 2024, during days of widespread blackouts, Havana residents faced charges of up to 200 pesos to charge a mobile phone using electric generators.
The absence of electricity back then had created an informal market for essential services, from charging batteries to selling potable water.
More recently, in August, prolonged power outages spurred ice sales as a business opportunity in various parts of Cuba, offering everything from full blocks to small quantities for those trying to preserve food and drinks.
Understanding the Economic Challenges in Cuba
Why are people paying 10 pesos to light a cigarette in Havana?
Due to the severe economic crisis in Cuba, innovative but unusual ways of making money have emerged, such as charging for lighting cigarettes.
What other basic services have been monetized in Cuba?
In addition to lighting cigarettes, services like charging mobile phones and selling ice have been monetized, especially during power outages.
What does the situation with the 10 peso fee indicate about the Cuban economy?
The fact that people are paying for such minor services highlights the desperation and creativity in the face of an economic system that struggles to meet basic needs.