Cuba Faces Massive Blackout Amid Ongoing Energy Crisis

Cuba experienced an island-wide blackout on Monday, leaving millions without electricity as an ongoing energy crisis hampers the country’s power infrastructure. The blackout affected around 10 million residents before limited power was restored to some regions.

“A total disconnection of the National Electric Power System is occurring,” stated Cuba’s Electric Union, a state-run entity, citing an investigation into the causes. Over the past few years, Cuba has struggled with frequent power outages due to dwindling fuel supplies and an aging electrical grid. The situation deteriorated further after former President Donald Trump imposed additional sanctions in January, affecting oil deliveries to the island.

Millions lose power across Cuba as Trump sanctions exacerbate the energy crisis.

During the blackout, public services were heavily disrupted, halting transportation and leading to the cancellation of tens of thousands of surgeries, according to reports from The Associated Press. Authorities announced that a single generating unit resumed operations approximately two hours following the collapse.

In response, the Electric Union confirmed that “microsystems are already operational throughout the country, ensuring the protection of essential services.” Meanwhile, efforts to restore power continue amid accusations by Cuban officials that U.S. policies are intensifying the crisis.

Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy stated, “Vital services continue to be protected amidst this complex situation exacerbated by the energy blockade we face.” Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel echoed this sentiment, condemning U.S. policies as “genocidal” and claiming they provoke social unrest by restricting fuel access.

Earlier this year, Cuba’s energy challenges worsened following a U.S. military operation that detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, ceasing Venezuelan oil exports—a vital fuel source for Cuba. Although Cuba produces only 40% of its fuel needs, a Russian tanker delivered approximately 730,000 barrels of oil in March. However, these were consumed by late April, the AP reported.

To mitigate shortages, the Cuban government has introduced planned power outages, lasting more than 24 hours in certain areas. Earlier outages in March left Cuba’s western regions without power, with another outage affecting the entire island shortly thereafter.