Cuba Faces Major Blackouts Amid Fuel Shortages and U.S. Sanctions
Severity: High (Score: 74.2)
Sources: Kansaspublicradio, Cnbc, Wjsu
Summary
Cuba's national energy grid collapsed, causing widespread blackouts, particularly in eastern provinces. The Cuban Energy Minister reported that the country has run out of oil and diesel due to a U.S. blockade, leading to blackouts lasting up to 24 hours. Protests erupted in Havana as residents demanded power restoration. The situation is exacerbated by Cuba's reliance on Venezuelan oil, which has been severely disrupted since January 2026. The U.S. has offered $100 million in aid, contingent on political reforms. The power outages have led to significant daily life disruptions, including food spoilage and reduced work hours. The Cuban government has blamed the energy crisis on U.S. sanctions and the deteriorating state of its aging power infrastructure. Key Points: • Cuba's national energy grid failure has led to extensive blackouts across the island. • The U.S. blockade has cut off oil supplies, exacerbating the energy crisis. • Protests have erupted in Havana as citizens demand an end to power outages.