Residents in Cojímar, located in Havana's East municipality, raised alarms on Friday over resellers who are hoarding nearly the entire bread supply from the state-owned La Aguja bakery, only to sell it at exorbitant prices, leaving many locals without access to this staple.
Theater director Hugo Vargas took to Facebook to express his frustration, stating, "Resellers are grabbing almost all the 100-peso bread to resell at outrageous prices, leaving people unable to buy it."
Vargas noted that this issue is happening "right in front of everyone in line," with no intervention from authorities to stop it.
Local Authorities Under Scrutiny
Vargas directed his criticism towards the Cojímar People's Council, highlighting their lack of response to the situation: "The Cojímar Council, how are you doing?" he questioned, underscoring the public's belief that local officials are turning a blind eye.
The hoarding and resale of bread are ongoing issues in Havana, exacerbated by a deep-seated crisis in the baking system.
Price Hikes and Public Outrage
In early July, the Cuban Bread Company implemented price hikes of up to 108% without public notice or transition period. For example, the 400-gram crusty bread increased from 240 to 500 Cuban pesos, the 200-gram loaf from 120 to 250 pesos, and the 500-gram sandwich bread from 250 to 550 pesos.
The Municipal Assembly of People's Power in Centro Habana took more than a week to officially announce the new prices, during which time the increases were already in effect at local outlets.
This surge in bread prices triggered widespread public outrage, particularly because the minimum salary of 3,210 pesos, set from July 1, only allows workers to purchase about six units of the 400-gram bread per month.
Challenges for Pensioners and Broader Economic Struggles
Retirees, with a minimum pension of 4,000 pesos, face even harsher circumstances. The scarcity driving these resales is rooted in deeper issues; by 2025, national bread production had fallen by 100,900 tons, and 17 companies in the sector reported losses totaling 364 million pesos.
In June, only one of the six contracted wheat shipments for the year had arrived in Cuba, which requires about 20,000 tons of flour monthly to maintain the rationed bread supply.
Authorities have tried to curb resales through ration cards, fines, and sales restrictions, but these measures have not produced lasting results.
In Villa Clara, shortages have become so severe that since February, rationed bread is only available to children under 13 and seniors over 65, while the weight of store bread has been reduced in several areas to just 40 grams.
Understanding the Bread Crisis in Havana
What is causing the bread shortage in Cojímar?
The bread shortage in Cojímar is largely due to resellers hoarding the supply from local bakeries and selling it at higher prices, compounded by structural issues in the baking industry.
How have bread prices changed recently in Cuba?
Bread prices in Cuba saw increases of up to 108% in July, with no public explanation or adjustment period, significantly impacting affordability for many citizens.
What measures have been taken to address bread resales?
Efforts to manage bread resales have included rationing through supply books, imposing fines, and sales restrictions, but these have not achieved sustained success.