Yordelis Aliaga Tamayo, a Cuban mother from the municipality of Alquízar in Artemisa province, captured the plight of countless families on the island through a video expressing her distress over the exorbitant cost of essential groceries.
"With cooking oil priced at 6,000 pesos, eggs at 4,500, and meat at an astonishing 800 pesos per pound, I've come to the conclusion that we'll have to eat grass this evening because we have run out of options," she lamented in a video shared in the Facebook group "Revolico Alquízar."
The figures she cites reflect the severe inflation that has gripped Cuba's informal food market in recent weeks. One user noted that meat in her area had already climbed to 1,200 pesos per pound.
Root Causes of the Price Surge
A contributing factor to this latest spike in food costs is the Ministry of Finance and Prices' Resolution 150/2026, announced on June 20, 2026. This government action removed retail price caps for edible oils, chicken pieces, powdered milk, pasta, and sausages.
Previously, the cost of oil was capped at 990 pesos per liter. Since then, its price has escalated dramatically. By late July, it was 2,500 pesos in Havana, by August 3, it had soared to around 4,000 pesos, and shortly after, it surpassed 6,000 pesos nationwide.
Impact on Daily Life
Egg prices have also spiraled upwards. Attempts by the Villa Clara government to impose a local cap of 110 pesos per egg have failed, with cartons reaching between 6,000 and 7,500 pesos in the informal market by August. Independent economists have criticized these provincial caps, citing a lack of effective enforcement mechanisms.
Reactions to the video ranged from outrage to dark humor. "Don't make a joke of it; the day will come when we're eating grass. With food prices so high, no pocket can withstand it. A salary doesn't even cover a bottle of oil. What about everything else?" commented one user.
Another individual starkly summarized the situation: "The harsh reality for the Cuban people is disheartening, yet those with full bellies continue to tighten the screws every day."
Understanding Cuba's Food Price Crisis
What has caused the recent spike in food prices in Cuba?
The recent increase in food prices in Cuba is largely due to the removal of retail price caps for essential goods such as oils and meats, following a government resolution.
How have families in Cuba been affected by the rising food costs?
Families in Cuba are struggling to afford basic necessities as their incomes cannot keep up with the rapid inflation, leading to desperate measures and a sense of hopelessness.