Shortages

Vendors offer items rescued from garbage piles under the arcades of Reina Street, Havana's most stately avenue. The scene emerged during a shopping errand amid shortages of basic goods. Yoani Sánchez recounts her observations while seeking welding rods and hot dogs.

January 02, 2026 Reported by AI

In San José de las Lajas, an early line formed outside the La Micro neighborhood pharmacy upon the arrival of scarce medicines. Residents, including retirees and teachers, prioritize treatments for chronic illnesses over food purchases, underscoring Cuba's prolonged shortages. This scene illustrates how daily life is restructured around medical scarcity.