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Havana Ration Stores Empty; Cubans Depend on Remittances

5/3/2026

39 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Havana ration stores have run out of most subsidized foods, leaving ration books empty.
William LeoGrande says shortages stem from depleted funds, 2021 currency-merger inflation, and tourism overspending despite low demand.
Lázaro Cuesta receives two 40-gram bread rolls at 75 cents each and relies on $200 remittances for other food.
Ana Enamorado earns 8,000 pesos a month, can buy rice, split chickpeas and sugar, and sees 30 eggs at 3,000 pesos.

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Story summary

Havana ration stores have run out of most subsidized foods, leaving ration books empty.
William LeoGrande says shortages stem from depleted funds, 2021 currency-merger inflation, and tourism overspending despite low demand.
Lázaro Cuesta receives two 40-gram bread rolls at 75 cents each and relies on $200 remittances for other food.
Ana Enamorado earns 8,000 pesos a month, can buy rice, split chickpeas and sugar, and sees 30 eggs at 3,000 pesos.