Matanzas informal rice market expands amid rising prices

In Matanzas, Cuba, the informal sale of imported rice within private residences is expanding as state-controlled supplies dwindle. Due to provincial price caps on rice, much of the available imported grain has moved to unregulated domestic markets operating through word-of-mouth.

Prices for a pound of rice have risen significantly, increasing from 250 pesos in early 2025 to between 320 and 350 pesos in certain neighborhoods like Los Mangos and La Marina. Informal vendors attribute these rising costs to high inflation and the increased expense of transporting goods amid a persistent fuel crisis.

The reliance on imports highlights a severe gap in domestic production. According to the National Office of Statistics and Information, Cuba processed 20,100 tons of rice in 2025, a 73.4% decrease compared to five years prior. With annual national demand estimated between 600,000 and 700,000 tons, the country remains heavily dependent on foreign markets to meet basic nutritional needs.