The Caracol Market at the Comodoro Branch, a government-run store operating solely in U.S. dollars next to the Hotel Comodoro in the Playa district of Havana, recently sparked controversy on Facebook. It posted a promotion featuring an enticing array of household items, food, beverages, and fresh products—tragically out of reach for most of Cuba's impoverished population.
The online reaction was swift and biting, with a flood of sarcastic and angry comments that vividly illustrated the stark contrast between the regime's stocked shelves and the grim reality faced by ordinary Cubans.
In an official post, Caracol Stores enthused, "Caracol Market Comodoro awaits you with a wide and attractive variety of household items, food, beverages, fresh products...!!!! Such a variety!! Visit us." The accompanying images showcased shelves brimming with toilet paper, pasta, grains, teas, creams, and utensils—a visual feast that exists in a different universe for most Cubans.
One user encapsulated the public sentiment with a cutting remark: "Wait: when they pay my pension in dollars, I'll buy [...]. What a lovely scenario." This comment perfectly encapsulates an economic policy that pays paltry wages and pensions in Cuban pesos while selling basic goods in dollars.
Another user bluntly asked, "Please: can we pay in CUP?" The implicit answer is well-known to any Cuban: no. The store, which reopened in July 2026 under the Supermix brand, only accepts cash dollars or magnetic cards in this currency.
The numbers behind the outrage are telling. Since September 2025, the minimum official pension in Cuba has been set at 4,000 Cuban pesos monthly, equating to less than five dollars at the current informal exchange rate exceeding 800 CUP per dollar. The estimated cost of living to cover basic needs exceeds 96,000 CUP per month, according to independent calculations, roughly 24 times that minimum pension.
The prices at Caracol Market Comodoro upon its reopening further highlight the absurdity: pork chops priced at nearly 130 dollars each, Norwegian smoked salmon at over 100 dollars, and even shopping bags costing three dollars apiece.
Criticism of the embargo—the regime's favorite excuse for shortages—was also plentiful. "No shortages when selling in dollars, right?" wrote one user. Another added, "And the people are starving. This is abuse, and where's the embargo? I don't see it." When it comes to stocking dollar stores, the embargo seems irrelevant; for peso bodegas, it is always to blame.
The outrage extended beyond dollarization. Commenters pointed to power outages that prevent even reaching the store. "Girl, there's never any power," wrote one user. Another was more explicit: "To buy anything, you have to make five or six trips because there's never power." A third commenter, who claimed to have visited the store five times, reported that "card payment barely exists," blaming connectivity issues.
This isn't an isolated issue: by June 2026, customers of foreign currency stores had already complained about terminal failures forcing them to carry cash dollars, a currency the People's Savings Bank admitted it couldn't supply due to a shortage of freely convertible currency.
The system of dollar-only stores began in July 2020 with 72 establishments operating in Freely Convertible Currency (FCC). By mid-2025, at least 80 state-run stores were exclusively dealing in dollars, while peso stores suffered chronic shortages. Many Cubans cannot afford basic goods in these establishments due to their limited currency income.
The unanswered question is who these stores really serve when a 70-year-old Cuban retiree with 4,000 pesos can barely afford to eat each month. The living standards of Cuba's ruling elites offer clues about where the money flows.
"Everything looks so rich, the power of the dollar: long live the dollar," concluded another commenter, with irony that speaks volumes.
Understanding Cuba's Economic Challenges
Why are Cubans frustrated with dollar-only stores?
Cubans are frustrated because these stores sell essential goods in U.S. dollars, a currency that most citizens do not have access to, while their salaries and pensions are paid in rapidly devaluing Cuban pesos.
What is the impact of the exchange rate on Cuban pensions?
The informal exchange rate severely diminishes the value of Cuban pensions, making it difficult for retirees to afford basic necessities, as their pensions equate to less than five dollars in the informal market.
How do power outages affect shopping in Cuba?
Frequent power outages disrupt daily life and make it challenging for Cubans to shop, as they may have to make multiple trips or face difficulties with electronic payment methods due to poor connectivity.