The Municipal Administration Council of Cienfuegos has officially announced an increase in the price of 200-gram bread, a measure that responds to the crisis in the supply of raw materials such as flour and the costs associated with production and distribution.
According to the statement released by the local newspaper 5 de Septiembre and signed by the municipal mayor Jaime Suz López, the following values are established:
Soft bread:
100.00 CUP at the counter
120.00 CUP in street sales
Crusty bread:
130.00 CUP at the counter
150.00 CUP in street sales
It is worth remembering that in April 2024, it was revealed that the Cuban Bread Company in Cienfuegos had not received flour from the state for the production of regulated bread for a year.
The bread, more expensive and scarce
The rise in bread prices is not new in Cuba. The chronic shortage of flour and delays in the arrival of ships with supplies have seriously impacted national production, leading to price increases in both the state system and the private sector.
Although bread remains one of the most sought-after foods in the basic diet of Cubans, its availability is limited and its quality has drastically declined, according to citizen reports. Meanwhile, private vendors offer the product at even higher prices, but with greater variety and less scarcity, which calls into question the capacity of the state system to meet demand.
"In Cuba, it's been a while since 'our daily bread' has been safe," some consumers ironically remark on social media, frustrated by the prices and the low quality of the products offered by the State.
A decision that hits the wallet
This adjustment occurs in a context of sustained inflation and growing public discontent over the cost of essential food items. For many citizens, paying up to 150 pesos for a loaf of bread represents an additional burden amid stagnant wages, power outages, and a lack of basic products.
The measure, far from being an isolated event, adds to a series of price adjustments that impact the average Cuban’s wallet, who already allocates a disproportionate portion of their income to daily food expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Increase in Bread Prices in Cienfuegos
Why have bread prices increased in Cienfuegos?
The increase in bread prices in Cienfuegos is primarily due to the shortage of raw materials such as flour and the associated costs of production and distribution. The Cuban Bread Company in Cienfuegos has gone a year without receiving flour from the state for the production of subsidized bread, which has seriously affected production.
What are the new bread prices in Cienfuegos?
The new prices for bread in Cienfuegos are: Soft bread at 100.00 CUP at the counter and 120.00 CUP for street sales; Hard crust bread at 130.00 CUP at the counter and 150.00 CUP for street sales. These prices reflect the impact of flour shortages and production costs.
How does the shortage of flour affect the quality of bread in Cuba?
The shortage of flour in Cuba has led to the use of aged flour, negatively impacting the quality of bread. The bread produced has a rough crust, limited rise, and alterations in smell and taste, according to the authorities in Cienfuegos, which has caused dissatisfaction among consumers.
What measures are the authorities taking to address the bread crisis in Cuba?
The authorities have established a schedule for distributing regulated bread on alternate days in Cienfuegos to optimize the use of the available resource. However, no specific date has been provided for resolving the issue, which has created uncertainty among the population.
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