While the Cuban people are forced to pay up to 5,000 pesos for an egg carton on the informal market, the Tiendas Caribe network has boasted on social media about "the great acceptance" of selling this product for $5.95 at various locations in Havana.
Tiendas Caribe Grandes Centros posted a video on Facebook highlighting "the great acceptance" of egg carton sales at the La Copa store in the Playa municipality, a product that is nearly nonexistent in most Cuban households. "It's selling very well, customers are pleased," noted a woman while showing a small line of people buying eggs.
In another post, the chain detailed that the egg carton is sold for $5.95, which, at the current exchange rate on the informal market, amounts to less than 2,000 Cuban pesos—a considerably lower price than the 5,000 pesos many Cubans are forced to pay on the street.
The price of eggs is a major concern for Cubans, as this product has historically been an affordable substitute for meat. However, the current price surge has made egg cartons another food item that many families find inaccessible.
A Cuban citizen highlighted the high price of eggs in the market on Wednesday, using humor by showing a table with eggshells and ironically stating that he had invested almost a dollar in them. Manuel Viera, in a Facebook post, expressed his frustration by showing a table with eggshells, commenting, "And here I am! Waiting for the ladies with creative recipes to discover some way to use the eggshells. After paying more than 100 pesos for each one... something must be done with them."
Viera's irony underscores the desperation and creativity with which citizens seek to cope with the island's economic crisis.
Another who has used humor to reflect the price of chicken eggs is comedian Otto Ortiz. With his characteristic wit, the Cuban humorist denounced in May that in Havana, an egg carton costs up to 3,500 pesos.
Impact of Egg Prices in Cuba
Given the severe economic conditions in Cuba, the soaring prices of basic food items like eggs have become a significant concern. Below are some questions and answers that delve deeper into this issue.
Why are egg prices so high in Cuba?
Egg prices in Cuba are high due to a combination of factors, including economic sanctions, government mismanagement, and supply chain disruptions. The scarcity of feed for chickens also contributes to the problem.
How does the price of eggs impact Cuban families?
The high price of eggs significantly impacts Cuban families, making it difficult for them to access this once-affordable source of protein. This exacerbates food insecurity and forces many to seek alternative, often less nutritious, food options.
What alternatives do Cubans have to cope with high egg prices?
To cope with high egg prices, many Cubans turn to the black market, where prices are even higher. Some resort to humor and creativity, as seen in social media posts, to express their frustration and find alternative uses for byproducts like eggshells.