The Minister of Economy and Planning, Alejandro Gil Fernandez, recently appeared before the national press to describe Cuba’s economic situation as “complicated.”
The reality is that the island’s economic crisis is compounded by recent non-existent problems such as dependence on a basic basket of imports. Additionally, the outlook is worsened by current fuel prices and its scarcity in the country.
One of the examples where people are most concerned about the basic basket is milk replacement for babies and the sick.
In addition, one pound of sugar was stolen from the usual four pounds a consumer would receive. In this sense, in the months of September, October and November, consumers get only three pounds of sugar. This was confirmed by Minister of Internal Trade (MINCIN) Betsy Diaz Velasquez.
However, why this deduction from the regulated ration of sugar per consumer is not explained.
Another serious problem is that the production of beans on the island is almost zero. Therefore, Díaz Velasquez pointed out: “Today we are completely dependent on imports.”
What policies have been implemented in this regard?
At the end of September, MINCIN denied rumors about removing some products from the monthly basket. However, others such as sugar have decreased in quantity.
“Currently, alternatives are being sought as to what can be produced locally, but till now we do not have an answer,” the domestic trade minister said.
Regarding coffee, one of the products most requested by Cubans, Díaz Velázquez pointed out that we should continue to wait. In addition, he confirmed that proteins continue to be the most complex products in the basket.
But, returning to the subject of sugar, Cuba requires 600,000 to 700,000 tons of sugar annually for its internal consumption. However, these standards are practically impossible to achieve over the years.
