A resident from Isla de la Juventud reported a startling increase in the price of chicken, with costs soaring from 3,130 pesos to over 7,000 pesos in cash within just a few days. This surge highlights the direct consequences of the Cuban regime's decision to deregulate prices.
Ramón Leyva Morales shared his concerns on the Facebook page Faro Piñero, also known as Carapachibey Pinero, including a screenshot from the Mi Isla Q' Bola group. In the post, a seller offered 10-pound packages of Holly Farms chicken drumsticks for 6,700 pesos cash or 6,500 pesos per box.
“It feels like we’re living in Dubai, I mean, in Isla de la Juventud,” Leyva remarked sarcastically. “And also priced at seven thousand and some more in cash. It's a luxury only accessible to the upper class of our society. The price used to be 3,130 per package.”
He attributed the cause to the Cuban government: “The Cuban State and Government have removed the price caps on this food item, making eating not essential but a luxury for a few. This decision adds more errors and distortions, impacting the quality of life for most citizens, including workers, technicians, healthcare, and education personnel.”
In a poignant conclusion, Leyva encapsulated the feelings of many Cubans: “We continue with our homeland, and with death too, but also with hunger.”
Impact of Price Deregulation
The trigger for this price hike is the Ministry of Finance and Prices' Resolution 150/2026, published last June. This regulation removed price caps on chopped chicken, edible oils, powdered milk, pasta, and sausages, overturning previous resolutions that set a maximum of 680 Cuban pesos per kilogram of chicken.
The situation is exacerbated by the absence of chicken distribution through the ration book. In June, Alberto López Díaz, the Minister of the Food Industry, acknowledged that chicken, oil, and yogurt had not been distributed through this system, leaving the informal market as the primary access point for most Cubans.
Broader Economic Impact
This pricing trend is affecting other essential goods as well. In Sancti Spíritus, the price of a liter of vegetable oil jumped from 2,000 to 3,000 pesos in less than a day, and in Isla de la Juventud, it was reported at 2,800 pesos just days earlier.
Independent estimates suggest that a Cuban family needs approximately 96,000 pesos per month to meet basic needs, with more than 70,000 pesos allocated solely for food expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Price Deregulation
What caused the increase in chicken prices in Isla de la Juventud?
The increase in chicken prices was primarily driven by the Cuban government's decision to lift price caps, as per Resolution 150/2026, on essential goods like chopped chicken.
How has the price deregulation affected Cuban families?
Price deregulation has significantly impacted Cuban families by making basic food items unaffordable for many, requiring an estimated 96,000 pesos per month to cover basic needs.
What other essential goods have seen price increases?
Along with chicken, other goods like vegetable oil have also experienced rapid price increases, such as in Sancti Spíritus, where prices rose from 2,000 to 3,000 pesos within 24 hours.