Odelkis Nápoles, a Cuban resident, took to Facebook to express her frustration and concern over the relentless rise in prices for essential goods like oil, chicken, and ground meat. She highlighted how many private businesses refuse to accept bank transfers or small denomination bills, leaving families struggling to purchase food.
For the first time discussing this issue publicly, Nápoles pointed to the removal of state-imposed "price caps" as the catalyst for the current economic turmoil. "Ever since they announced the removal of these price caps, allowing prices to be dictated by demand, all these problems have escalated," she stated in her video.
She cited oil as an example: "If the oil was priced at 2,100 two days ago, today it's at 3,000. There's no stopping it anymore." Nápoles emphasized that chicken, oil, and ground meat are staples in Cuba, making their price hikes particularly troubling.
Due to frequent power outages, she explained that Cubans are forced to buy chicken in minimal quantities—just three or four portions—to avoid spoilage, which exacerbates the impact of any price increase.
The Economic Context Behind Rising Prices
Nápoles' grievances are underscored by recent economic changes. On June 20, 2026, the regime published Resolution 150/2026 in the Official Gazette, eliminating price caps on items such as chicken pieces, edible oils, powdered milk, pasta, and sausages. On July 16, the cap on rice, previously set at 155 pesos per pound, was also removed.
Following these policy shifts, the price of a package of chicken skyrocketed from 3,000 to over 7,000 pesos in some areas, and oil prices reached 2,500 pesos per liter in Havana, with peaks of 3,000 pesos depending on the location.
Nápoles also criticized another issue affecting thousands: private businesses, micro-enterprises, and self-employed workers refusing to accept bank transfers or 10, 20, and 50 peso bills. "People sometimes go without food because businesses won't accept transfers," she warned.
Despite regulations mandating businesses to accept transfers without additional charges, compliance is virtually nonexistent. Private enterprises have broadly stopped accepting small bills, and only 3.77% of transactions in Cuba are conducted digitally.
Unprecedented Inflation and Its Impact
Nápoles expressed bewilderment over the price of cigarettes, which jumped from 600, 580, 450 to 800 pesos, and now even 1,000 pesos. "It's just baseless," she remarked.
The official year-over-year inflation rate in Cuba was 18.27% in June 2026, though independent estimates suggest it is closer to a staggering 70%. The minimum wage, effective from July 1, 2026, stands at 3,210 pesos, equivalent to less than five dollars at the informal exchange rate, making it nearly impossible for citizens to afford basic necessities with state incomes.
Nápoles concluded her message with a poignant reflection on the desperation felt by many Cubans: "I hope one day Cubans will open their eyes and say, I won't buy anymore. But the reality is, out of necessity, they have to buy."
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
What triggered the recent price surges in Cuba?
The removal of state-imposed price caps, allowing prices to be set by demand, has been identified as a key factor in the recent price increases for essential goods in Cuba.
How does the refusal to accept bank transfers affect Cuban consumers?
The refusal of businesses to accept bank transfers or small denomination bills limits purchasing options for consumers, often leaving them unable to buy necessary food items.
What is the current state of inflation in Cuba?
Officially, the inflation rate in June 2026 was 18.27%, but independent estimates place it closer to 70%, significantly impacting the cost of living.