A video recently shared on social media by a user has sparked outrage, revealing exorbitant prices at the controversial 3ra y 70 supermarket in Havana. The video highlights a bottle of Isla del Tesoro Rum priced at a staggering $779. Vivian Montane, known on Instagram as @chacruta, posted the brief clip showing this and other costly items.
The video also showcases other products with inflated prices, such as Classic Panettone at $15.20, a bottle of olive oil for $11.25, a deboned leg of serrano ham at $143, and alcoholic beverages like Jameson Whiskey at $29.90 and Ballantine’s at $48. Montane concludes the clip by ironically singing, “Long live my flag, our nation, the Revolution!” sarcastically portraying the supermarket as another supposed achievement of the Cuban regime.
Accompanying the video, Montane wrote: “Presenting the new 3ra y 70 market in Miramar. Everything is priced in hard currency. Only USD cash, MasterCard, or classic cards bought in Cuba with any foreign currency are accepted.”
Despite its high prices, the supermarket fails to offer a pleasant shopping experience: “The floor is dirty due to the high number of customers. Lines everywhere… I felt like I was in a dungeon.” She noted that while some prices are lower compared to private businesses, not all products meet quality standards, and the stark contrast with the nearly empty market across the street is evident.
Montane also shared a poignant reflection: “It seems USD flows through this city while many people still lack food as they are paid in Cuban pesos.” This comment underscores the inequality these markets create, excluding those without access to foreign currency in a country where the majority earn in pesos.
Her testimony ends with a critical message about Cuban reality: “This island is not ready for change,” a sentiment echoed by many in response to policies that widen the gap between the haves and have-nots. Montane’s post, particularly the revelation of the Isla del Tesoro Rum price, has ignited a wave of controversy and indignation on social media.
Manuel Viera voiced his outrage on Facebook: “Can someone please enlighten me? What do they add to this (rum bottle) that it can cost $779 in these new markets? It must contain the island’s treasure inside.” He further mused: “This is Cuban rum, made by workers who don’t earn a dollar a day. This surpasses the $200,000 Peugeot. If the Peugeot lion sees this, it’ll jump off the K tower,” he added with irony, referencing two other news stories that have shocked the public this year: the implementation of the new vehicle import and sales law in Cuba, and the upcoming opening of the controversial Hotel Torre K-23.
Understanding the Price Disparities in Cuba's Supermarkets
Why are prices so high in the 3ra y 70 supermarket?
Prices in the 3ra y 70 supermarket are high due to the requirement for payment in foreign currency, which is out of reach for many Cubans who earn in local pesos. Additionally, the scarcity of goods and economic policies contribute to these inflated prices.
What impact do these prices have on the Cuban population?
The high prices in such supermarkets exacerbate economic inequality, leaving those without access to foreign currency unable to afford essential goods, thus widening the social and economic divide in Cuba.
How do these market conditions reflect on the Cuban economy?
These conditions highlight significant flaws in the Cuban economy, including reliance on foreign currency, lack of diversity in economic opportunities, and systemic issues that prevent equitable access to resources.