The official newspaper of the Communist Party of Cuba in Matanzas, Periódico Girón, has announced a new episode of its YouTube program "Foco de Atención," which will delve into the rampant price hikes sweeping the nation.
In a preview video shared on Facebook, the state-run outlet highlighted the price disparity using a stark example: a bag of milk costing 6,500 pesos in the Versalles neighborhood, while another store in the same city sells it for 4,500 pesos.
Considering that the minimum wage in Cuba, as of July this year, stands at a mere 3,210 pesos per month, this basic necessity can cost more than double a worker's monthly earnings.
The video poses a critical question: "A bag of milk reaching 6,500 pesos—who sets this price? Is it the state, the merchant, or the often-cited supply and demand? In just 60 days, the rules of survival have shifted, but one question remains unanswered: Who determines the price?"
It's particularly noteworthy that a pro-government media outlet is initiating this discussion. In August, Girón acknowledged that the Cuban state has "little to no" capacity to curb inflation, admitting that reliance on imports is a contributing factor to rising prices.
The immediate trigger for this upward spiral was the Cuban regime's Resolution 150/2026, which in June lifted national price caps on items such as cut-up chicken, edible oils, powdered milk, pasta, and sausages, citing the rise in the dollar exchange rate and fuel shortages.
Following this decision, prices skyrocketed unabated. The price of oil, for instance, surged from about 1,500 pesos in April to more than 4,000 in August, with some areas seeing prices as high as 7,000 pesos.
The provincial government in Matanzas attempted to mitigate the impact by setting local reference prices for powdered milk and setting up hotlines for citizens to report price violations. In September, they shut down 46 establishments for price violations, yet the situation showed no visible improvement.
Reactions to the Periódico Girón video reveal widespread frustration. One user commented, "Prices are set by whoever wants to," while another noted, "The seller sets the price, and no one cares." A third blamed the government: "We can thank our government for its ineffective measures."
Commentators expanded on the issue beyond milk. "If it were only the milk: a pound of chicken here in Matanzas is 800 pesos, ham is 1,000, and a bag of rice is 870, etc.," detailed one user.
The 53% wage increase, approved by the regime in July—which raised the minimum wage from 2,100 to 3,210 pesos—was quickly eroded by inflation, leaving Cubans unable to experience any relief.
Recently, a Cuban woman demonstrated that with 5,000 pesos—just above the minimum wage—it's barely enough to buy basic goods.
Understanding Cuba's Price Crisis
What factors have contributed to the surge in prices in Cuba?
The surge in prices has been attributed to the Cuban government's Resolution 150/2026, which removed price caps on essential goods, coupled with a rising dollar exchange rate and fuel shortages.
How has the Cuban government attempted to address inflation?
The government has implemented local reference pricing and established hotlines for reporting price violations, but these measures have not significantly improved the situation.
How are Cuban citizens reacting to the increased costs of goods?
Citizens have expressed anger and frustration, with many blaming the government for ineffective economic measures and pointing out the disparity between wages and living costs.