What Will September's Basic Goods Basket in Villa Clara Include?: "Awaiting Decisions"

Following statements by Cuba's Minister of Domestic Trade, Betsy Díaz Velázquez, to official media outlets indicating that in September, Cubans will no longer receive coffee and oil, there are shortages in sugar distribution, and the remaining quantities are not being completed for another consecutive month. Authorities in Villa Clara have stated that they "await decisions on the products that will be included in the basic goods basket" for the current month.

This was reported by the official CMHW broadcaster, which noted that "in recent hours, the distribution of the seven pounds of rice for the August basic goods basket has been completed—two pounds for free and five at the established retail price."

Up until the end of August, the residents of Villa Clara received 10 ounces of beans and 20 ounces of peas that were pending, according to the report. Additionally, it was announced that the free distribution of a package of pasta for each consumer has begun in the municipality of Caibarién and will gradually extend to the rest of the municipalities.

For low-weight children, pregnant women, and vulnerable individuals registered with Social Assistance, a free food module will be provided. The uncertainty surrounding the arrival of the known "mandados," those products regulated by the government's ration book, remains a constant month after month in the island.

On Saturday, August 31, Díaz Velázquez explained that in Cuba, "we do not have plans for September, as there were none in August, for oil or coffee." Another affected product is sugar, as the government continues to struggle to address the shortage, one of the most in-demand items, especially with the start of the school year and students' snacks. Alternatives such as importing some volumes are being considered.

It appears that what Cubans residing on the island can be sure to receive this ninth month of the year is salt and peas, although the availability of salt varies depending on the region where consumers live.

Since the beginning of the year, delays with the basic goods basket have been a recurring topic among the population. Minister Díaz Velázquez attempted to justify the delays in May during the television program Mesa Redonda. In her words, three or four years ago, the products were available in the stores at the beginning of each month, but now it is necessary to "unload the ships, transport them to provincial capitals, then to municipalities, and finally to the network of stores. (...) It is very difficult to manage the timing when you depend solely on imports."

According to her, the responsibility lies with the work of the ports, the distribution mechanisms, and even the weather. Meanwhile, the population suffers from reduced quality, delays of several months in deliveries, the substitution of milk with other products, and delays in food distribution for vulnerable groups, such as meat for children and pregnant women.