Prices Skyrocket as Cuba Cuts Numerous Necessities From Rations

A recent government decision produced sad news for many Cuban citizens, as subsidies such as soap, toothpaste, and detergent have been removed from their ration cards. A list released last week shows that the prices of these important items will soar because of their removal from the cards, some items increasing to prices 12 times higher than before. Toothpaste will rise from 65 cents to around 8 pesos, while detergent will jump from 3.75 to 25 pesos.

Cuba has been issuing its citizens ration cards since the early 60’s when Fidel Castro implemented the plan to try to ensure that all citizens had equal access to enough goods to survive. Because of the decline of the world economy in the past few years, Raul Castro and the Cuban government have been cutting down the items on the ration card to save money for the country. Potatoes and peas had already been cut, among other basic food items and necessities.

Because of the rise of prices in even more necessary items such as food and drink, many Cuban’s will be completely unable to pay for these cleansing items when the prices skyrocket. Famed Havana dissident Darsi Ferrer commented on these ration cuts, calling them, “draconian for a people already at the limit of their survival.” The average monthly salary in Cuba is a meager 429 pesos, which equals about $20.

The rations system is not the only system in existence in Cuba. There is a free trade market, but as we have pointed out the prices are significantly higher, so for many Cubans living in poverty, the only way to get food and other good is with the rations card.

Because of the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba that has existed for over 50 years, it is very difficult to find ways to donate to Cuba from this country, but there still are some. The IFCO runs an annual “Cuba Caravan,” which leaves every summer and brings vans packed full of goods through the US and to Cuba by way of Mexico. You can also learn more ways to donate through this Canadian-based website found here.

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