Cubans struggle to survive as ration books shrink and goods run out

Cuba's prolonged economic crisis is pushing millions of people into hardship as the state food ration system—which once guaranteed basic needs—is now barely enough to sustain life.

In the capital, Havana, many state-owned stores face empty shelves and scarce goods, with only a few basic items like rice, sugar, and beans remaining. Once-common products such as meat, milk, eggs, soap, and pasta have nearly disappeared from the subsidized distribution system.

A worker at a food store stated that it is no longer possible to live off rations as before, while skyrocketing market prices have made additional purchases unaffordable for the majority of the population.

The ration system, established by revolutionary leader Fidel Castro in the 1960s, helped Cuban families maintain stable portions for decades. However, since the economic crisis of the 1990s, the volume of distributed goods has steadily declined.

Today, many residents believe the situation is even more difficult than previous periods of shortage. Many families are forced to skip meals, sometimes eating only once a day.

⚠️ Inadequate income, skyrocketing prices

The average income in Cuba is currently only a few thousand pesos per month, equivalent to less than 20 USD, while food prices have soared:

30 eggs cost about 3,000 pesos
1 kg of ground meat costs nearly 900 pesos

In this context, many residents say they are "living on air" as they cannot afford to buy enough necessary food.

📉 Weakening economy, import dependence

Cuba currently imports up to 80% of its food, while the state budget faces severe difficulties. Experts believe the government lacks the resources to maintain the subsidy system as it did before.

The 2021 currency reform and deficit spending have led to persistent inflation, significantly eroding the purchasing power of the people.

🔄 Dependency on remittances, rising inequality

About 60% of Cubans receive financial support from relatives abroad. Families without this support source find themselves in particularly dire situations.

A resident in Havana shared: "If I buy beans, I have no money left for sugar. No matter how much I work, it's not enough to survive."

⚡ Compounding crises

In addition to food shortages, Cuba also faces: