Government continues to raise prices: now it is the turn of cigarettes and tobacco

2024-04-11 19:31:23

Photo: CN360

Text: Editorial Cuba Noticias 360

Coupled with the increase in fuel and electricity prices in Cuba in March, as of this Friday, April 12, the different assortments of cigarettes and tobacco for national consumption join the list, which is sold at a rate of four packs for those over 18 years.

According to reports from official sources, the measure seeks to reduce the high fiscal deficit existing on the Island in addition to the fact that, with the prices established previously, it was not possible to “cover the costs and expenses related to production, industrial processing and marketing.”

With the entry into force of Resolution 63 of the Ministry of Finance and Prices, a significant increase will be recorded for some assortments.

For example, in those sold in the wineries, the price of cigars will increase up to 10.00 Cuban pesos, the Popular Auténtico goes from 21.00 a box to 60.00 and the H.Upman Clásico from 17.50 to 50.00.

They also reported on the increase in others that are sporadically sold in these establishments, such as the missing Criollos, Titanes, Popular and Aroma, which will cost 30.00 Cuban pesos.

They stated that although cigarettes are not part of the basket, it was previously decided to incorporate them into the retail network when they were regulated in 2021 due to the increase in hoarding and resales due to low national production.

They also explained that the distributions will correspond to the current month, where the Government itself acknowledges not fulfilling on time, “for different reasons”, the delivery of the 34 million packs necessary to meet the demand for one month.

For those who are consumers of these products, the increase in prices will undoubtedly constitute an increase for their economy, especially if one takes into account the values ​​to be reached in the coming days on the black market; while others will debate whether to buy the packs with the aim of selling them to purchase basic necessities or exchange them for food.

The Island’s authorities consider that the increase in the prices of some goods could boost the development of an economy that suffers from inflation and an excessive loss in the value of its national currency.