For years, Cubans over the age of 54 received rations of the necessities of life.  Chickpeas, potatoes, and sugar rations were cut out earlier this year.  Now, to add insult to injury, elderly Cubans no longer receive their four packs of free cigarettes every month!  How are old people supposed to smoke now?!

Granted, four packs of cigarettes probably lasted the average smoker two days, maybe three if they’re rationed carefully, but that’s not the point.  The point is Cuba’s state-run economy is in a shambles, and Raul Castro’s government is doing everything it can to get money flowing again, and that includes cutting back on or removing entirely the monthly family ration for Cubans born after 1954.

“The Council of Ministers has resolved to eliminate cigarettes from the rationed family basket as of September as part of the measures gradually being adopted to limit state subsidies,” reads the official government statement.  Rice and beans are still on the rations menu, but will probably be the next to cut in an attempt to drive Cuba’s older generation to state-run grocery stores.  Of course, it could also be a plan to drive smokers to quit to make up for so many years of Fidel Castro’s bad example and public smoking.

Image:  Reuters

Tags: Cuba, Havana, Raul Castro, free cigarettes, rations, Cubans over 54 no longer get free cigarettes, communism, economic reform, no more free cigarettes, Cuba cuts monthly rations, smoking

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