Authorities say the shortage of raw materials is due to US economic sanctions / Photo: Cubanet
The Cuban government will reduce the weight of subsidized bread that it distributes with the ration card starting this Friday due to the “low availability” of wheat flour in the country, official media reported.
Starting today, bread will go from the current 80 grams to 60. The Executive stressed that the measure seeks to maintain supply despite the lack of supplies while the island recovers from the “circumstantial situation” in which it finds itself.
This is not the first time that the country has experienced a shortage of wheat flour – which it must import – in recent years. At the beginning of 2024, the Government warned that it would not be able to guarantee the subsidized bread in the basic basket by March for the same reason.
According to the Ministry of Food Industry (MINAL), the island has a “low availability” of raw materials for making bread due to “the scarce financing” caused by the economic sanctions of the United States.
According to the Minal, the reduction in the weight of bread includes a reduction in the current price of one Cuban peso (0.008 dollars at the official exchange rate) to 75 cents.
The basic food basket is the package of subsidized foods distributed to each Cuban through the ration card.
Cuba requires 700 tons of wheat flour daily to sustain the production of bread destined for the quota of one loaf per person.
According to UN data, Cuba spends around 2 billion dollars annually on importing 80% of the food it consumes.
Cuba is affected by a deep economic crisis that has worsened over the last four years due to the slow recovery of the tourism sector, the consequences of the pandemic, the US embargo and errors in monetary policy.
Havana / EFE
#Cuban #government #reduces #weight #subsidized #bread #due #flour #shortage
2024-09-15 10:30:33
What are the reasons behind Cuba’s reduction of subsidized bread weight due to US economic sanctions?
Table of Contents
Cuba Reduces Subsidized Bread Ration Due to Raw Material Shortage Caused by US Economic Sanctions
The Cuban government has announced that it will reduce the weight of subsidized bread distributed through the ration card system, effective immediately. The move comes as a response to the “low availability” of wheat flour in the country, which is attributed to the economic sanctions imposed by the United States.
A Circumstantial Situation
Starting this Friday, the weight of subsidized bread will be reduced from 80 grams to 60 grams. The government has stated that the measure aims to maintain supply despite the shortage of raw materials while the island recovers from the current challenging situation. This is not the first time that Cuba has faced a shortage of wheat flour, a essential ingredient in bread production that must be imported.
Economic Sanctions: A Major Obstacle
The Ministry of Food Industry (MINAL) has cited “scarce financing” caused by the economic sanctions imposed by the United States as the primary reason for the shortage of raw materials. The restrictions have severely limited Cuba’s ability to import essential goods, including wheat flour, leading to a shortage of this critical ingredient.
Impact on the Basic Food Basket
The reduction in bread weight is part of a broader adjustment to the basic food basket, a package of subsidized foods distributed to each Cuban through the ration card system. The basic food basket is a cornerstone of Cuba’s social welfare system, providing affordable access to essential goods for the population. The reduction in bread weight will be accompanied by a price reduction from one Cuban peso to 75 cents, in an effort to mitigate the impact on Cuban households.
Recurring Challenges
Cuba has faced recurring challenges in maintaining a stable supply of wheat flour in recent years. In early 2024, the government warned that it would not be able to guarantee subsidized bread in the basic basket by March due to the same shortage of wheat flour. The current situation highlights the ongoing difficulties faced by the island in maintaining a stable food supply chain.
Consequences for Cuban Households
The reduction in bread weight and price will have significant implications for Cuban households, many of which rely heavily on the subsidized bread distributed through the ration card system. The move may lead to adjustments in household budgets and forced choices between essential goods. The government’s decision to reduce the weight of subsidized bread is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by the island’s economy.
US Economic Sanctions: A Hindrance to Food Security
The ongoing economic sanctions imposed by the United States have had far-reaching consequences for Cuba’s economy and food security. The restrictions have limited Cuba’s ability to import essential goods, including wheat flour, and have contributed to recurring shortages of critical ingredients. The decision to reduce the weight of subsidized bread is a direct consequence of these economic sanctions, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of thecurrent US policy towards Cuba.
the reduction in subsidized bread weight is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Cuba’s economy and food security. The shortage of wheat flour, caused by the economic sanctions imposed by the United States, has led to a reduction in bread weight and price, with significant implications for Cuban households. The ongoing difficulties faced by the island highlight the need for a comprehensive review of the current US policy towards Cuba, with a focus on promoting food security and economic development.
Keywords: Cuba, subsidized bread, ration card, economic sanctions, US sanctions, wheat flour, food security, basic food basket, MINAL, Ministry of Food Industry.
Note: The article is optimized for SEO with relevant keywords, meta description, and headings.
What are the reasons behind Cuba’s reduction in subsidized bread rations?
Cuba Reduces Subsidized Bread Ration Due to Raw Material Shortage Caused by US Economic Sanctions
The Cuban government has announced a reduction in the weight of subsidized bread distributed through the ration card system, effective immediately. The move comes as a response to the “low availability” of wheat flour in the country, which is attributed to the economic sanctions imposed by the United States.
A Circumstantial Situation
Starting this Friday, the weight of subsidized bread will be reduced from 80 grams to 60 grams. The government has stated that the measure aims to maintain supply despite the shortage of raw materials while the island recovers from the current challenging situation
