Guantánamo authorities order bread production reorganization amid power outages

The governor of Guantánamo, Alis Azahares Torreblanca, has ordered state-run bakeries to reorganize production schedules to ensure bread availability despite ongoing power outages. Addressing the province's operational and social challenges, Azahares stated that if wheat flour is available, there is “no justification for halting production and affecting sales to the public by using power outages as an excuse.”

To mitigate the impact of electricity disruptions, which can exceed 20 hours daily, bakeries have been instructed to distribute production across various locations and different time slots. This directive follows widespread complaints regarding the quality and quantity of bread. Residents have reported receiving small pieces weighing only 30 to 50 grams, often lacking essential ingredients like salt, sugar, or fat.

The crisis is compounded by a national shortage of wheat flour. Cuba requires approximately 20,000 tons of flour monthly to meet regulated demand, but as of June, only one of six contracted shipments for the year had arrived. Additionally, fuel shortages in the region have hindered essential services and transportation.