Havana : Cuba plunged into a nationwide blackout on Friday after the Antonio Guiteras power plant, the island’s largest, abruptly went offline, triggering a complete failure of the national power grid. Nearly 10 million people were left without electricity, worsening the country’s ongoing struggles with shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine.
Authorities have not provided a specific reason for the plant’s failure. President Miguel Diaz-Canel, addressing the crisis on X (formerly Twitter), vowed, “There will be no rest until power is restored.” Officials, however, warned that restoring electricity could take time.
The government had earlier shut down schools, universities, and non-essential industries, sending state workers home in an effort to conserve power. Yet the mid-day system collapse left the capital, Havana, and other regions in darkness, bringing much of life to a halt. Tourism, a critical sector for Cuba, was also impacted.
Brazilian tourist Carlos Roberto Julio, frustrated by the situation, shared, “We went to a restaurant, but they had no food because there was no power. Now, we’re also without internet. In just two days, we’ve had several problems.”
Power failures and blackouts have grown more frequent as fuel supplies dwindle, further burdening the already struggling population.
Power Crisis Deepens Amid Fuel Shortages
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero highlighted fuel scarcity as the primary reason for the ongoing energy crisis. Government officials blamed disruptions caused by Hurricane Milton’s winds, which hindered fuel deliveries from offshore vessels to power plants. Cuban leaders also pointed to the US trade embargo and sanctions imposed under former President Donald Trump, citing difficulties in securing equipment and fuel.
Diaz-Canel reiterated this narrative, stating, “The complex scenario is caused primarily by the intensification of the economic war and energy persecution of the United States.” A spokesperson from the US National Security Council denied these claims, asserting that the embargo was not responsible for the blackout or Cuba’s internal energy problems.
Reduced Fuel Shipments from Key Allies
Cuba’s energy challenges have been exacerbated by declining fuel imports from Venezuela, the country’s main supplier. Shipments fell to 32,600 barrels per day in 2024, down from 60,000 barrels per day during the same period in 2023, as Venezuela’s own refinery issues forced it to prioritize domestic consumption.
Other allies, such as Russia and Mexico, have also reduced fuel deliveries, leaving Cuba dependent on the more expensive spot market at a time when the government’s finances are critically strained.
With a crumbling infrastructure and worsening fuel shortages, daily life in Cuba has become increasingly difficult. As power outages dragged on, many Havana residents sat on their doorsteps, enduring the heat without fans or air conditioning.
Officials emphasized that they are working urgently to restore power, but progress has been slow, deepening public frustration. Until the crisis is resolved, the people of Cuba will likely face more blackouts and uncertainty.
