[JimRed]

Hmmmm...I can afford to vacation there...all I need is a few cases of Charmin to barter and I’m good to go!

[blackdog]

The entire government apparatus there is layered like an onion. Nothing moves without a government lord getting their cut. That's in every step of manufacturing, warehousing, transport, distribution, and finally sales. Not to mention import of raw materials.

It's fascinating to study. Every commodity is forced into a shortage. Then the shortages increase retail prices which fatten those in charge. Need becomes a weapon for stealing from the people with impunity. Therefore, shortages must be persistent and relentless.

[goodnesswins]

Well...you may need something besides tp ....

[sheana]

Not sure if it’s still like that but probably since not much has changed but in Cuba, everywhere you go there is a woman or man sitting inside the bathroom door at a card table. They are pulling squares off a single row of toilet paper and stacking them on the table. 3 squares for $1.
The hotel rooms have electricity on a timer on the wall. You twist it all the way around and the electricity stays on til the timer runs out.