The crisis with the distribution of food and hygiene products in the Basic Basket in Cuba is much deeper than what the recent statements of the authorities of the Ministry of Domestic Trade (Mincin) in the country show.
This is what Cuban economist Pedro Monreal said in an analysis on the social network X this week, all of this after debating and publishing data from the government itself.
“The crisis of state “distribution” of rationed food in Cuba is much deeper than that reflected in the recent shortage of products from the basic basket. Between 2021 and 2024, state retail food sales collapsed and their nutritional structure was altered,” he said.
“A rough estimate of the “real” value of state retail sales, adjusted for inflation using the consumer price index for food, indicates that in the first half of 2024 they were three times lower than in the first half of 2021,” he added.
Monreal added that the relative weight of 2 of the 4 main foods sold statewide between 2021 and 2024 had changed: meat sales went from 37% of total sales to 16.2% in just 3 years, reflecting a transformation in the nutritional structure of sales.
The basic food basket crisis in Cuba is deeper
The specialist went on to detail that in 2024 the basic food basket crisis on the island has worsened.
“The deterioration in the first half of 2024 was significant compared to the same period in 2023. Sales at current prices fell in 8 of the 10 food categories, and in the case of meat, it was approximately half the level of the first half of 2023,” he said.
“Until new data can prove otherwise, the alleged centrality of the state in national food security is simply a propaganda stunt,” he concluded.
This week, MINCIN executives stated that the situation regarding the distribution of basic food baskets on the island is worrying and that by September, there will be a shortage of several products such as coffee and cooking oil.
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Table of Contents
The Crisis in Cuba: Food Shortages and Rationing
Cuba is facing a severe crisis in the distribution of food and hygiene products, with the situation being much deeper than what the authorities of the Ministry of Domestic Trade (Mincin) have acknowledged. According to Cuban economist Pedro Monreal, the crisis is not just a recent shortage of products from the basic basket, but a collapse of state retail food sales and a significant alteration of their nutritional structure between 2021 and 2024 [[2]].
Monreal’s analysis, based on government data, reveals that the “real” value of state retail sales, adjusted for inflation using the consumer price index for food, has decreased threefold in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2021 [[2]]. This collapse in sales is accompanied by a transformation in the nutritional structure of sales, with meat sales decreasing from 37% of total sales to 16.2% in just three years [[2]].
The crisis is not limited to food sales, as Cubans are also facing shortages of electricity and other essential services. Recent protests in the city of Santiago have demanded food and electricity, highlighting the severity of the situation [[3]]. The crisis has led to food rationing, leaving many Cubans struggling to access basic necessities [[1]].
The World Food Programme (WFP) has been providing assistance to Cuba, including specialized nutritious food and fortified products, particularly for vulnerable groups such as mothers and children [[2]]. However, the scale of the crisis requires a more comprehensive and sustained response to address the root causes of the food shortage and rationing.
The crisis in Cuba is not just a food crisis, but a reflection of the country’s deeper economic and social challenges. As the country opens up to private markets, many Cubans feel unequipped to handle the new, more unequal society [[1]]. The crisis has exposed the need for a more sustainable and equitable food system, one that prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable populations.
the crisis in Cuba is a complex and multifaceted issue that requires a comprehensive response. It is not just a food crisis, but a reflection of deeper economic and social challenges that need to be addressed. The international community, including organizations such as the WFP, must provide sustained support to Cuba to help the country overcome this crisis and build a more equitable and sustainable food system.
Keywords: Cuba, food crisis, rationing, economy, inequality, World Food Programme.
References:
[1] AP News: Economic crisis in Cuba leads to food rationing, hunger
[2] World Food Programme: Cuba
[3] NPR: Cuba protests demand food and electricity amid shortages
The Crisis in Cuba: Food Shortages and Rationing
Cuba is facing a severe crisis in the distribution of food and hygiene products, with the situation being much deeper than what the authorities of the Ministry of Domestic Trade (Mincin) have acknowledged. According to Cuban economist Pedro Monreal, the crisis is not just a recent shortage of products from the basic basket, but a collapse of state retail food sales and a significant alteration of their nutritional structure between 2021 and 2024 [[2]].
Monreal’s analysis, based on government data, reveals that the “real” value of state retail sales, adjusted for inflation using the consumer price index for food, has decreased threefold in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2021 [[2]]. This collapse in sales is accompanied by a transformation in the nutritional structure of sales, with meat sales decreasing from 37% of total sales to 16.2% in just three years [[2]].
The crisis is not limited to food sales, as Cubans are also facing shortages of electricity and other essential services. Recent protests in the city of Santiago have demanded food and electricity, highlighting the severity of the situation [[3]]. The crisis has led to food rationing, leaving many Cubans struggling to access basic necessities [[1]].
The World Food Programme (WFP) has been providing assistance to Cuba, including specialized nutritious food and fortified products, particularly for vulnerable groups such as mothers and children [[2]]. However, the scale of the crisis requires a more comprehensive and sustained response to address the root causes of the food shortage and rationing.
The crisis in Cuba is not just a food crisis, but a reflection of the country’s deeper economic and social challenges. As the country opens up to private markets, many Cubans feel unequipped to handle the new, more unequal society [[1]]. The crisis has exposed the need for a more sustainable and equitable food system, one that
