The worsening of the economic scenario in Venezuela has once again appeared with force in the daily lives of the population, precisely at the moment when the country is facing a new round of tensions with the United States.
The minimum wage, frozen since March 2022, remains at 130 bolivars, equivalent to around R$3, and has lost even more purchasing power in recent weeks, following the accelerated devaluation of the national currency against the dollar.
The bolivar is experiencing yet another downward cycle, pressured by the lack of reserves, political instability and growing dependence on the dollar as a price reference. In November, the Venezuelan currency lost 8.8% of its value against the dollar.
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On the last business day of the month, the official exchange rate closed at 245.66 bolivars per dollar, a spike compared to the 223.96 bolivars recorded at the beginning of November.
The numbers reveal the extent of the deterioration. Since January, the bolivar has depreciated by 78.8% against the dollar. The American currency, which started the year at 52.02 bolivars, became 372.2% more expensive throughout 2025, according to data from the Central Bank of Venezuela.
The consequence is felt immediately: prices readjusted more frequently, difficulty in accessing basic goods and a feeling of permanent instability for those who depend on a fixed income.
Although the dollar is the dominant parameter, some establishments have tried to use the euro as a pricing alternative. Still, the logic remains the same, any movement towards the appreciation of foreign currencies translates into new increases, eroding workers’ purchasing power.
The economic pressure coincides with the most tense moment in the relationship between Caracas and Washington in years. The United States military presence in the Caribbean and escalating rhetoric among governments have reignited fears of incidents in the region.
The crisis was also reflected in air transport: since the beginning of this Saturday (26), deepening isolation and making it difficult for Venezuelans to move within and outside the country.
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While the political dispute intensifies at the international level, daily life within Venezuela remains marked by uncertainty. For many Venezuelans, the currency crisis is not just a Central Bank statistic, it is the difference between being able to buy food for the week or having to reduce consumption even further.
