Amid an unprecedented food crisis, the state-run newspaper Granma has acknowledged via social media the severe egg shortage plaguing Cuba, a staple food that has now become a luxury for most households. "Will eggs ever be affordable again? The reality demands a simple solution: there must be hens on the farm for eggs to reach the family table," the outlet stated on X, sparking a wave of criticism and disbelief.
The Luxury of Eggs on Cuban Tables
In several regions of the island, an egg can cost up to 120 Cuban pesos, translating to 3,600 pesos for a carton of 30, exceeding a retiree's monthly pension. According to Granma, the average price ranges from 90 to 110 pesos per egg, a stark contrast to just a few years ago.
Both private enterprises and the Cuban government import eggs from countries such as the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and even the United States, paying in dollars. This practice, combined with rampant inflation and the informal dollar exchange rate nearing 400 pesos, has caused domestic market prices to skyrocket.
National Egg Production in Shambles
The Grupo Empresarial de Alimentos y Aves (Gealav), under the Ministry of Agriculture, admits the poultry industry is at its lowest point. In 2024, a lack of funding and feed led to the loss of over 1.3 million laying hens, significantly reducing supply.
Jorge Luis Parapar López, president of Gealav, described the situation as "very complex and unfavorable," noting that "a chicken is a demanding animal; if it doesn't receive proper nutrition, it won't lay eggs."
It's important to note that more than 90% of inputs for the poultry sector, including corn, soy, and vitamin premixes, are imported.
Proposed Solutions
The Cuban government has initiated new management models "cooperated" with mixed and non-state companies, such as TabaCuba, which provide foreign currency to import chicken feed. However, these efforts barely sustain a minimal production aimed at tourism and priority social programs, like the Maternal and Child Program, which has received just over 3.7 million eggs so far this year.
Meanwhile, the broader population can only purchase eggs at exorbitant prices from private markets or in stores accepting freely convertible currency (MLC) or foreign currencies, where a carton sells for $5.95, out of reach for many families.
The Uncertain Future of Eggs in Cuba
Granma acknowledges that state-run poultry farming is "destined to fail," as producing an egg costs 8.65 pesos, while its regulated price is 2 pesos. The goal, according to Parapar López, is to restore the poultry population to eventually increase production, though no short-term solutions are in sight.
For now, the question posed by Granma remains unanswered: Will eggs ever become affordable for Cubans again?
Understanding Cuba's Egg Shortage
What factors contribute to the egg shortage in Cuba?
The egg shortage in Cuba is primarily due to a combination of insufficient funding, lack of proper feed, and the loss of laying hens, compounded by high import costs and inflation.
How does the Cuban government plan to address the egg crisis?
The government has created new cooperative management models with mixed and non-state companies to fund imports of chicken feed, aiming to sustain minimal production levels.
Why are imported eggs so expensive in Cuba?
Imported eggs are costly due to being purchased in dollars and the high inflation rate, with the informal dollar exchange rate affecting domestic market prices significantly.