Breaking News: Cuba is experiencing a nationwide power outage, impacting approximately 10 million people.
Cuba plunged into a third major blackout this year on Monday, leaving the island nation largely without electricity. The state-run Electric Union reported a “total disconnection of the National Electric Power System”, with the cause still under investigation, according to Fox News. Limited service was later restored in some areas, but substantial disruption persists. The outage halted public transport and forced the cancellation of tens of thousands of surgeries nationwide, as reported by the Associated Press (AP).
The crisis stems from Cuba’s chronic fuel shortages and failing electrical grids, problems exacerbated by US sanctions. President Donald Trump imposed additional sanctions in January, threatening tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba. This followed a halt to Venezuelan oil exports after the capture of President Nicolás Maduro, a key fuel source for the island, reported Fox News. Cuba produces only 40% of its required fuel, with a recent Russian oil shipment depleted by the end of April.
Cuban officials blame US policy for the energy struggles, with President Miguel Díaz-Canel describing the situation as a “genocidal energy blockade” imposed by Washington. He commended the work of the country’s electrical workers as “heroic” in the face of these difficulties. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy also accused the US of contributing to the problems, reported Fox News.
The government has implemented scheduled outages, lasting over 24 hours in some regions, to conserve fuel following previous blackouts in March affecting western provinces and the entire island. Restoration efforts are underway, with “microsystems” prioritised to protect vital services.
Sources: Fox News, The Associated Press (AP).
