New Dollar-Only Supermarket in Havana Sparks Violent Clash Among Shoppers

The recently opened supermarket by the Cuban regime within the Hotel Gran Muthu Habana premises witnessed a distressing outbreak of violence on Saturday as customers queued at one of its counters. Nestled at the intersection of 3rd and 70th, this establishment exclusively accepts cash in dollars or cards linked to foreign currency accounts for purchasing much-needed food and hygiene products, which are in short supply across Cuba.

The scarcity of essential goods and the tension of purchasing them in a currency not commonly used for salaries in Cuba have fueled frustration and resentment among the populace, even affecting "privileged" customers who can afford to shop at this store. A video circulating on social media captured an altercation between a woman and a young man while standing in line at the supermarket, which reportedly sold cheeses and other dairy products.

Although the reason for the argument is unclear, the footage clearly depicts the high level of aggression displayed by the involved parties, necessitating intervention by bystanders and the store's security personnel. As of writing, the outcome of the clash remains unknown, and it is uncertain if law enforcement was required to step in.

This incident highlights the pervasive discontent within current Cuban society, which faces increasing uncertainty heading into the new year under the ongoing dollarization efforts by the government of Miguel Díaz-Canel. The violent episode at the dollar-only supermarket in the Hotel Gran Muthu Habana isn't an isolated event, but rather part of a recurring pattern in Cubans' daily lives plagued by chronic shortages of basic goods and widening economic disparities.

Food and Basic Goods Queue Violence

Long lines for essential items such as food and liquefied gas have become hotbeds for desperation and violence. In April 2022, a chaotic brawl over cooking oil at a Cuban shopping center left several injured and sowed chaos in the area. Similarly, in September 2021, a scuffle involving dozens of people in line for chicken in Alamar laid bare the collective stress Cubans endure due to food shortages.

More recently, in June 2024, a fierce fight erupted in Havana over bread amid reports of power outages complicating access to basic goods. Such incidents have been mirrored across various provinces where Cubans face not only shortages but also the physical and emotional toll of enduring hours of waiting in dire conditions.

Dollarization and Queues: A Volatile Mix

The partial dollarization of the economy, driven by Díaz-Canel's administration, has exacerbated economic inequalities. In November 2024, clashes erupted among customers desperate to withdraw money from overwhelmed banks in Havana, highlighting the growing public discontent.

Furthermore, the reliance on dollars in exclusive venues like the supermarket at the Hotel Gran Muthu Habana has fostered a sense of exclusion and privilege that fuels social tensions.

A Structural Economic Issue

The violence in queues underscores a fundamental problem within the Cuban economy, which fails to meet the basic needs of its people. In March 2023, a brawl over sausages in Isla de la Juventud once again demonstrated how poor planning and reliance on limited resources create scenarios of collective desperation.

These increasingly frequent incidents underscore the urgent need for structural solutions beyond temporary measures. Meanwhile, the Cuban population continues to navigate daily life amid uncertainty, violence, and inequality, exacerbated by a dollarization process that excludes the majority reliant on peso wages.