On Friday, the Municipal Administration Council of San Luis, located in Santiago de Cuba, revealed new reference prices for essential retail goods. Another expressed doubt, saying, "From words to action is a long journey, let's see if it's enforced not just in San Luis but throughout Santiago de Cuba." In June 2026, President Miguel Díaz-Canel himself acknowledged that previous price caps led to shortages, increased illegal activities, and reduced revenue. Since then, oil prices have spiraled out of control, jumping from around 1,500 pesos in April to over 4,000 pesos in August, with peaks reaching as high as 7,000 pesos. Numerous commentators are calling for these measures to extend to Santiago de Cuba's capital, Palma Soriano, Granma, and Cienfuegos, while pointing out that even these "reference" prices are unaffordable.