A Cuban resident recently took to TikTok to showcase a visit to a bustling agro-market in Havana, highlighting its extensive selection of fruits, vegetables, grains, drinks, and packaged goods. "People say there's nothing here, but look around. Cuba is full of things; what's missing is money. There's everything here," he remarks while filming aisles stocked with pineapples, mangos, watermelons, tomatoes, onions, grapes, and more.
The footage, revealing coolers filled with beverages, bottles of oil, sacks of beans, and well-stocked shelves, starkly contrasts the usual shortages that consumers report across the island. Yet, the reaction in the video's comments section paints a different picture: the economic accessibility of these goods remains a pressing issue.
"Brother, not to criticize, but tell me what money an ordinary Cuban living on a salary has?" one user questioned. Another chimed in, "Yes, there are products, but there's no freedom or money to buy those things."
The prevailing criticism pointed to the disconnect between product availability and purchasing power. "A retiree's pension is 1,500 pesos. So, what's the story here? We need shame, not money, because no one can afford to buy anything there," another comment stated.
This post reignited discussions about the high cost of living in Cuba, where inflation and the devaluation of the Cuban peso have sent agro-market prices soaring beyond the reach of state salaries, which remain the primary source of income for most citizens.
The Economic Reality of Cuban Markets
What are the main products available at Havana's agro-markets?
Havana's agro-markets offer a variety of products including fruits, vegetables, grains, drinks, and packaged goods such as pineapples, mangos, tomatoes, and beans.
Why is there a disconnect between product availability and consumer purchasing power in Cuba?
The disconnect is largely due to high inflation and the devaluation of the Cuban peso, which have caused prices to rise dramatically, making them unaffordable for many Cubans living on state salaries.
How has the cost of living impacted Cubans' ability to purchase goods?
The escalating cost of living, driven by inflation and currency devaluation, has significantly impaired the purchasing power of Cubans, especially those reliant on fixed state incomes.