Cuba suffered its second nationwide blackout in just five days on Friday, affecting millions across the island. The state electricity company UNE reported a "total collapse of the national electric system" at 4:30 p.m. local time (2030 UTC). This blackout follows a previous outage that lasted from Monday to Tuesday, exacerbating an already critical energy crisis in the country.
Causes of Cuba's Ongoing Blackouts
The recent blackouts have been attributed to a combination of factors, including a six-month US fuel blockade and the deteriorating state of Cuba's energy infrastructure. Since the start of 2024, Cuba has experienced nine nationwide power outages, with four occurring in 2026 alone. The Energy Ministry has stated that "protocols are being activated to begin the recovery process," although no immediate explanation was provided for the latest blackout.
The Impact of US Policies on Cuba's Energy Supply
The energy crisis in Cuba has deep roots in US foreign policy. In January, former US President Donald Trump cut off oil supplies to the island, aiming to destabilize the communist government. This move came shortly after the US detained Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose country was once a key oil supplier to Cuba. Since the blockade began, only one oil tanker has delivered supplies to Cuba, which covered merely two weeks of energy needs.
Government Response and Future Outlook
The Cuban government blames the ongoing energy woes on the US embargo, while Washington cites state mismanagement as the core issue. To meet its energy demands, Cuba requires over 100,000 barrels of oil daily. The current situation poses a significant challenge for the Cuban government, which is under pressure to restore power and ensure stability.
- Second nationwide blackout in five days
- Total collapse reported at 4:30 p.m. local time
- Nine blackouts since 2024, four in 2026
- US fuel blockade severely impacts energy supply
- Only one oil tanker delivered since blockade started
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by DW English. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
