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Daily Sale of Rationed Bread Resumes in Villa Clara Amid Technical and Quality Challenges

Saturday, July 5, 2025 by Abigail Marquez

Starting this Friday, July 4th, the Food Production Company in Villa Clara will resume the daily distribution of rationed bread across the 13 municipalities in the region. This announcement by Director Odel Dueñas comes after months of mounting tension due to the unstable supply of this essential food item.

However, this promise comes with several caveats. The ongoing energy crisis in Cuba has severely limited the use of electric ovens, meaning much of the bread production must now rely on traditional baking methods. According to provincial radio station CMHW, Dueñas mentioned that "organizational measures are being taken to use traditional ovens and ensure production in areas lacking the necessary conditions," a statement that hints at uncertainty more than assurance.

The quality of the bread is also a significant concern. Dueñas acknowledged that the flour currently available "is not the most suitable for production processes due to the prolonged storage of the wheat." Despite this, he assured that efforts are being made alongside municipal teams to provide a product with "the best quality possible," though he did not specify how these technical limitations will be sustainably addressed.

The bread's weight remains at 60 grams, as confirmed by authorities. Yet, given the poor quality of materials and energy limitations, consumers are left wondering whether this daily distribution will become more than just another unfulfilled promise.

The scarcity of wheat flour in Cuba has led to restricted production and distribution of rationed bread in several provinces. In Artemisa, for instance, rationed bread is sold only on alternate days and with "innovative" mixes of sweet potato, yucca, and pumpkin to stretch the limited supply. In Guantánamo, the distribution is restricted to children under 13 and social institutions, while untethered bread prices have soared dramatically.

In Cienfuegos, new pricing has been implemented, reaching up to 150 CUP for a 200-gram piece in response to rising production costs. Meanwhile, in Santiago de Cuba, only one to two shipments of flour arrive every two days, an amount insufficient to meet the demand in the provincial capital and its municipalities.

After a long period of scarcity, untethered bread recently reappeared on the Isle of Youth, though its return does little to ease household budgets. Sold at 110 pesos for a soft-crust 200-gram unit, this bread is made possible through the purchase of flour and sugar via micro-enterprises, a process that inevitably drives up its final price.

The quantities produced are minimal compared to demand. Bakeries have been directed to produce between 180 and 300 loaves daily, with distribution depending on the crowd length: two per person if the line is long, more if it's short.

The National Office of Statistics and Information of Cuba (ONEI) reported that last April, the price of non-rationed soft round bread (80 grams) reached 60 Cuban pesos (CUP) in Santiago de Cuba, the highest price recorded in the country that month. The minimum price was 18 CUP in Ciego de Ávila, highlighting significant regional disparities in access to this staple.

In Havana, prices ranged from 21.42 to 58.33 CUP per unit, making it one of the provinces with the greatest internal price variability. Matanzas was the only province to report a fixed price of 39 pesos, with no variations, while Cienfuegos and Villa Clara also saw maximum values above 50 CUP. Provinces like Guantánamo, Holguín, and Las Tunas exhibited more moderate prices, although still high relative to average wages.

Questions About Bread Distribution in Cuba

Why is the bread production in Villa Clara relying on traditional ovens?

The energy crisis in Cuba has limited the use of electric ovens, necessitating a shift to traditional baking methods to continue bread production.

What is affecting the quality of the bread in Villa Clara?

The quality of the bread is compromised due to the use of flour that has been stored for extended periods, affecting its suitability for production.

How are bread prices varying across different provinces in Cuba?

Bread prices vary significantly, with Santiago de Cuba recording the highest prices and Matanzas maintaining a fixed price. Regional disparities are evident in price variations.

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