A video taken inside a Venezuelan supermarket, purportedly showcasing "lower prices" on items such as chicken, cheese, and beef, has ignited a whirlwind of reactions on social media. While some celebrate what they perceive as an economic relief, others are quick to label it as exaggeration or propaganda.
The viral footage was shared by journalist Eduardo Menoni (@eduardomenoni), a known critic of the Chavismo regime. Menoni attributed the price drop to what he called the "Donald Trump Effect," suggesting that after "the glorious January 3rd" and U.S. intervention, Venezuela might finally be emerging from its economic collapse.
“Prices for meat and some food products have started to decline... Venezuela is rising from the ashes left by impoverishing, communist Chavismo,” Menoni stated in his post.
Public Reaction to the Video
In the video, several people can be heard navigating the store aisles, commenting on the prices with enthusiasm, as if witnessing something unimaginable just months ago.
"The dollar went down, brother... First world, brother... Llanero cheese at six forty-five. No more starving," one voice exclaims in a celebratory tone.
However, while some users were optimistic about the apparent price drop, others met the claims with skepticism, arguing that their local realities tell a different story, with the crisis hitting just as hard, if not harder.
“Where is this? Because here in Guárico, nothing's cheaper; if anything, prices are rising,” commented Francisco Rojas.
Another Venezuelan user was more direct: “I am Venezuelan, and for now, everything is still worsening significantly in terms of prices and inflation. Not everything can change overnight as some portray.”
Economic Disparities and Public Skepticism
The controversy intensified as numerous netizens questioned a critical point: even if some prices decrease, wages remain pitifully low. “The only thing still killing us are the salaries,” wrote Carmig, while others questioned if true well-being is achievable when the average Venezuelan lacks purchasing power.
“So, there’s plenty of jobs now and wages have increased to over $1?” user WildVal sarcastically remarked.
Amid the discussion, a persistent question loomed: if conditions are improving so much, why isn't the supermarket bustling with shoppers?
Understanding the "Price Drop"
This debate unfolds against a backdrop of real currency fluctuations in Venezuela. A report from Telemundo 51, published on January 19, 2026, detailed that the dollar, which had soared to 850 bolivars in the parallel market following early-year events, had fallen to 415 bolivars after an announcement of currency injection from the oil sector.
According to the report, interim president Delcy Rodríguez declared that funds from U.S. oil sales would be funneled through the Central Bank of Venezuela to private banks and the currency market as part of an economic stabilization effort.
On the ground, some merchants confirmed that certain products have indeed seen price reductions, though inconsistently. Víctor Fernández noted that while meat prices had dropped, items like sweets continued to rise.
This disparity aligns with online comments: while some perceive a sign of relief, others feel that the "change" has yet to reach their wallets.
Key Questions on Venezuela's Economic Situation
Why are some Venezuelans skeptical about the reported price drops?
Many Venezuelans remain skeptical because, despite reports of lower prices in some areas, their personal experiences reflect ongoing inflation and high living costs, with salaries remaining insufficient to afford basic goods.
What factors are contributing to the reported changes in Venezuela's economy?
The reported changes are associated with currency fluctuations and economic measures such as the injection of funds from oil sales into the banking system, aiming to stabilize the economy. However, these measures have not uniformly impacted all sectors or regions.