The Castro authorities reported that the import of food, toiletries and medicines without payment of tariffs was going to be extended for another three months, giving Cubans the opportunity to deal with the shortage of these items on the Island.
While The news of the extension had already been given a few days ago by the Prime Minister of the Island, Manuel Marrero Cruz, on that occasion, the official did not specify how long the measure was going to be extended, while now it is known that it will be until March 31, 2024.
The measure was extended by the Ministry of Finance and Prices (MPF) through its resolution 280 of 2023. Likewise, resolution 281 was issued, which extends until the same date the permission to import power plants with a power greater than 900 watts, even when its value exceeds that established for air, sea, postal and courier shipments.
This standard indicates that this decision was made taking into account the benefits that the residential sector obtains when purchasing electric plants, this due to the constant blackouts that are registered on the Island.
Last week, Marrero indicated that the measure was due to expire yesterday, December 31, however, it had been concluded that it should be extended for a longer time due to the benefit this represented.
However, the official warned that alternatives are being sought, since the authorities had noticed an increase in the resale of these imported items. This is done with “speculative” prices, which represented a considerable profit for resellers.
In that sense, Marrero affirmed that the regime was looking for a way to eliminate the tariff exemption without affecting the Cuban people.
One of the solutions he proposed was to better supply the stores in Freely Convertible Currency (MLC) and in dollars, since citizens would not have the need to go to resellers if they have the possibility of buying in state stores.
“We will work seriously to find ways and financing to guarantee a sustained supply in the stores, so that whoever wants to buy does not have to go abroad to import something that they can buy here,” said the official, who avoided mentioning the stores in Cuban pesos. (CUP).
