The first neighborhood market in Cárdenas, Matanzas, has sparked a wave of criticism on social media. Residents are expressing their discontent over the market's prices, which are reportedly equal to or even higher than those of private businesses, despite being a new government-led commercial initiative.
Situated at the corner of Real and Industria streets, in the former location known as El Cerdito, the market was announced on Friday by digital creator Michel Matías via his Facebook profile.
The announcement rapidly gathered numerous comments, many of which were filled with skepticism about the market's supposed benefits for consumers.
Content creator Christian Arbolaez also took to Facebook to share a price board displaying costs: chicken at 600 pesos per pound, loin at 1,850, breast at 900, and rice at 390 pesos.
Other prices include oil at 2,900 pesos, tomato paste at 1,800, and both sugar and coffee at 1,200 pesos each. Flour reaches a price of 1,000 pesos per pound.
"Either I'm not seeing well, or the prices are the same as those at private micro-enterprises," commented one local resident. Another user bluntly stated that the prices were "the same or worse than those of the private sector."
The phrase "the same dog with a different collar" was echoed among comments, reflecting the disappointment of those hoping for a more affordable option.
Economic Disparity and Unmet Expectations
Other residents criticized the gap between the market offerings and the purchasing power of the population. "The neighborhood market looks nice, but now we need salaries that match these beautiful markets," one user wrote, highlighting not just the prices, but also the ability of workers to afford the cost of food.
The criticisms also targeted the lack of practical information in the initial announcement, which omitted the address, operating hours, and payment methods.
These details were clarified in the comments, with one neighbor indicating that the establishment accepts electronic transfers without additional fees and without product limits per transaction. A resident with reduced mobility also pointed out the difficulties faced by those living alone and having trouble walking.
Broader Discontent Across Cuba
In Guantánamo, an official from the Business Group of Commerce defended the seven neighborhood markets already operating there, but consumers reported unaffordable prices and empty shelves.
In Granma, residents calculated that purchasing one unit of each of the 22 items listed on the board would cost 12,740 pesos, nearly four times the minimum monthly salary of 3,210 pesos, established in July.
The Cuban government is promoting these new neighborhood markets as an affordable alternative for the population, initially promising prices 15% to 30% lower than other stores.
In reality, some openings only offered discounts of between 10% and 15%, leading to widespread public dissatisfaction.
A recent public consultation opened by the official portal Cubadebate on neighborhood markets was flooded with criticism, with one comment summing up the public sentiment: "I want to shop at the neighborhood market where Díaz-Canel and Marrero buy."
Economist Javier Pérez Capdevila estimates that a person needs around 96,000 pesos per month to cover basic needs, nearly 30 times the minimum wage.
Understanding the Economic Challenges in Cuba
Why are Cubans criticizing the new neighborhood markets?
Cubans are criticizing the new neighborhood markets because the prices are as high or higher than private businesses, contradicting the government's promise of more affordable options.
What are the main complaints about the neighborhood markets?
The main complaints include high prices, a lack of practical information like location and payment methods, and the disparity between offered prices and the population's purchasing power.
How do the neighborhood market prices compare to the minimum wage in Cuba?
In Granma, for example, buying one unit of each product available would cost nearly four times the monthly minimum wage, highlighting the economic challenges faced by Cuban consumers.