Cuba’s shortages are so acute that there are long lines for gas, food and medicine.
It is a major issue everywhere with long and chaotic lines in Havana and other provincial cities. When products that are in shortage finally appear, long lines form so people can buy them in bulk. Brawls are constantly on the verge of breaking out and people harshly criticise both the government and hoarders.
Some stores have established limits on how much people can buy to prevent hoarding and reselling. However, corrupt sales assistants tell friends in advance, or resellers who give them a nice cut.
This isn’t news in recent decades. The only problem now is that this has become a recurring problem, due to the weak response from inefficient state-run companies, financial restrictions on imports and the US tightening down on its economic embargo.
The government has explained in official media channels that they have been forced to give priority to food, medicine and fuel, because ships carrying raw materials have been delayed due to pressure from the US.
As a result, shortages are hitting personal hygiene items.
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