Archive · 21 Aug 2025
Cuban Pensioners Say Increase Not Enough Amid Crisis
Cuban pensioners are now getting almost twice as much money in their pensions.
However, they say it's not enough because things are very expensive and hard to find.
Even though they get more pesos, the money isn't worth much due to high prices and the difference between the official and informal exchange rates.
One retired person said the new money is not even enough to buy a pack of chicken.
The government says the problem is because of US sanctions and blames them for the economic crisis.
Cuban pensioners received a pension increase, nearly doubling their payments.
Pensioners express the increase is insufficient due to high inflation and scarcity of goods.
The official exchange rate is 24 pesos to the dollar, while the informal rate is 400 pesos.
Eggs were selling for 2800 pesos for a carton and chicken quarters for up to 400 pesos a pound.
The Cuban government blames US sanctions for the economic crisis.
- Who
- Cuban pensioners and the Cuban government.
- What
- Cuban pensioners received an increase in their monthly pension payments.
- When
- Pensioners began receiving the increased payments.
- Where
- Havana, Cuba
- Why
- To improve the situation of retirees.
Government's Stance
Pensioners' Stance
Pension Adequacy
Government's Stance
The government has increased pensions.
Pensioners' Stance
Pensioners argue the increase is inadequate.
Economic Crisis Causes
Government's Stance
The government blames US sanctions for the economic crisis.
Pensioners' Stance
Critics blame slow economic reform.
- Pension Increase
- Nearly doubled
- Pension Ceiling
- 4,000 pesos
- Official Exchange Rate
- 24 pesos to $1
- Informal Exchange Rate
- 400 pesos to $1
- Average State Wage
- 6000 pesos
- Egg price (carton)
- 2800 pesos
- Chicken price (per pound)
- Up to 400 pesos