Shortages, inflation frustrate Cubans struggling to get by

Grocery shopping has become an increasingly costly and arduous struggle for many people in Cuba

Julia Sardiñas awoke early so she could reach a grocery store in Cuba's capital by 6 a.m.

After seven hours in line, she achieved her goal: the purchase of two plastic 1 liter bottles of cooking oil for which she paid 48 Cuban pesos — $2 — each.

“I was standing for many hours; you have to wait your turn to be able enter for two bottles, but it's something," said the retired 65-year-old.

Grocery shopping has become an increasingly costly and arduous struggle for many people in a country where the pandemic, inefficient production, government controls and U.S. economic sanctions have aggravated an economic crisis.