The sale of ice has emerged as a burgeoning enterprise in Santiago de Cuba, driven by persistent blackouts that complicate the preservation of food and beverages, and the capability of some individuals to maintain freezers and refrigerators through backup power systems.
Two residents from Santiago de Cuba shared with this publication that the ice business has seen a sharp rise in the city over recent months, amidst an energy crisis that has exacerbated difficulties in keeping household refrigeration systems operational.
At the same time, individuals who have made private investments, such as installing photovoltaic systems, have seized the opportunity to produce and sell ice even during power outages.
The Young Ice Vendors of Los Pinos
A story from the Los Pinos neighborhood illustrates this trend, where, as a local resident described, it's common to see very young boys and even children roaming the streets to sell ice.
"Outside my house, young boys, sometimes even children, pass by selling ice. Often, two or three of them are together, pushing a makeshift cart loaded with tanks that probably have some insulation, filled with several thousand pesos worth of ice," the resident recounted.
The ice blocks, prepared in containers known as "five-pound jars," are sold for around 200 pesos, while the smaller "balitas," made in 1.5-liter soda bottles, cost about 100 pesos.
Neighborhood Ice Sales: A Growing Trend
The vendors traverse neighborhoods offering their products directly to residents, a strategy that ensures ice reaches areas where families endure long hours without electricity and cannot produce ice at home.
Another Santiago resident explained that he sells ice from his home. In his case, the five-pound containers cost between 70 and 100 pesos, while pots of ice sell for 120 pesos.
"The pots are 120 for grating and chilling beer or whatever people want," he described, highlighting some of the uses his customers have for the ice.
"I know some use it for drinking. I explain that the water isn't treated because boiling it or purifying it with sodium hypochlorite would be much more expensive, but they tell me that drinking cold water is now a luxury in Cuba. So they drink it as is: they thaw the ice and drink the cold water," he emphasized.
Ice Sales Flourish Online
The ice market has also expanded to online sales groups, where various quantities, formats, and prices can be found.
In the 360 Compra Venta Santiago de Cuba group, a user offered ice for 300 and 100 pesos, depending on the presentation.
Another seller in the 360 Ventas en Santiago de Cuba group announced the sale of "ice blocks" weighing approximately four kilograms for 200 pesos each.
A particularly eye-catching offer appeared in the Compra y venta Santiago de Cuba group, where an anonymous post offered a five-liter bucket of ice for 400 pesos and individual cups for 20 pesos.
"Ice for sale: five-liter bucket at 400 pesos and cups at 20 pesos for those interested," the advertisement stated.
The sale of ice by the cup underscores the commodity's newfound commercial value, even in small quantities meant merely to chill a drink or enjoy cold water.
Blackouts Turn Ice Into a Precious Commodity
The ice business thrives in a reality that Cubans have been documenting for months: getting a refrigerator cold enough for a reasonable time has become a minor victory amidst the frequent blackouts.
At the start of August, a young Cuban woman celebrated on social media that she managed to freeze a bottle of water, humorously summarizing a situation that has become routine for many families.
"My bottle of water froze. I had to share this with you because freezing a bottle today between blackouts is unbelievable," she exclaimed.
Remarkably, this isn't the first time someone has felt immense joy over freezing water in Cuba.
In June, another Cuban celebrated freezing a "balita" of water, presenting it with irony as her "first unlocked achievement of June."
The post garnered thousands of reactions, largely because many users related to the difficulty of producing ice during extended power cuts.
FAQs About Ice Sales in Santiago de Cuba
Why is ice selling so well in Santiago de Cuba?
Ice sales are booming due to prolonged blackouts, which make it difficult for residents to keep food and drinks cold, increasing demand for ice.
How are people managing to sell ice during blackouts?
Some individuals have invested in backup power systems, such as photovoltaic panels, enabling them to produce and sell ice even during outages.
What are the typical prices for ice in Santiago de Cuba?
Prices vary, with five-pound ice containers selling for around 200 pesos, while smaller "balitas" cost about 100 pesos. Prices can differ depending on the seller and location.