The shortage of sugar in Cuba has reached alarming levels, with prices skyrocketing at the few locations where it's still available. While a pound of sugar in Cuba can cost around 550 Cuban pesos (CUP), online platforms catering to the Cuban market list prices much higher, ranging from $2 to $4, depending on the supplier.
On Supermarket 23, one of the most popular platforms for sending goods to Cuba from abroad, sugar prices range from $2.47 (810.16 CUP) to $4.72 (1,548.16 CUP) per pound, based on the type of product. This platform offers several options, though payments must be made in foreign currencies, and shipping costs are not included in the prices.
Exploring Online Market Options
Another alternative is Tuambia, where a package of four pounds of refined sugar produced in the United States is currently available. This product sells for $1.58 per pound, making it more competitive in the online market.
At Cuballama, which sells products from private markets on the island, prices vary between $2 for the cheapest option and $4 for the most expensive ones. Lastly, the ACuba platform also offers different types of sugar; for instance, white sugar is priced at $3.70 per pound, while brown sugar can reach $4.75 per kilogram.
The Impact of Scarcity on Cuban Households
In Cuba, sugar is nearly impossible to find in state-run stores. When it appears in the informal market, its price exceeds 500 CUP per pound, a prohibitive figure for many families, considering the minimum wage is 2,100 CUP and many pensions do not even reach 2,000 pesos.
Facing this crisis, some Cubans are resorting to alternatives to sweeten their food, such as using instant drink mixes, highlighting the severity of the shortage. Purchasing sugar from online stores not only involves a significant expense for relatives abroad but also additional shipping costs and the necessity to pay in dollars or euros.
Economic Hardships and Their Consequences
These barriers complicate access to a basic product that has historically been a cornerstone of Cuba's economy and food culture. The scarcity of sugar in Cuba is illustrative of the regime's inefficiency and the severe economic crisis the country is enduring. Essential foods have become luxury items in Cuba, with the population relying on remittances and foreign currency stores to put meals on the table. A simple glass of water with sugar, once a symbol of poverty, is now unattainable for many households.
Sugar Shortage and Its Effects on Cuban Economy
Why is sugar so expensive in Cuba?
The high cost of sugar in Cuba is due to its scarcity, driven by economic inefficiencies and a lack of production, exacerbated by the current financial crisis.
How do online sugar prices compare to local prices in Cuba?
Online sugar prices are significantly higher than local prices, ranging from $2 to $4 per pound, compared to approximately 550 CUP locally, due to the costs involved in shipping and currency conversion.
What alternatives are Cubans using due to the sugar shortage?
Cubans are improvising with substitutes like instant drink mixes to sweeten food, reflecting the severity of the sugar shortage.