Cuba faces new nationwide blackout amid energy crisis fueled by US oil embargo

Cuba suffered a widespread power outage on Monday, marking the third national blackout in six months and the eighth since late 2024. The incident occurred amidst a severe energy crisis exacerbated by U.S. oil sanctions.

The Union Eléctrica de Cuba (UNE) reported a "total disconnection" of the national electricity system via X, leaving the island's 9.6 million residents without power. The country's aging electrical system, combined with fuel supply restrictions, has led to daily blackouts that can last up to 30 hours in Havana and even longer in other provinces.

"In the end, we had three or four hours of light a day, so the biggest impact now is that you don't know when you'll get that little bit of light back," said Meybol Font, a 51-year-old self-employed worker, to AFP. "It's agonizing to live like this," she added.

The energy crisis is compounding Cuba's broader economic struggles, characterized by shortages of food and medicine, and high inflation. Power cuts have intensified since the Trump administration reduced oil shipments from Venezuela, Cuba's primary fuel supplier, and threatened sanctions on countries continuing such trade. "There's no Wi-Fi, there's no electricity, we can't work," stated a 24-year-old programmer for a private software development company in Havana, who requested anonymity. The programmer highlighted the direct impact on employment and connectivity.

In response to the crisis, Havana implemented market economy measures in mid-June, a significant economic shift. The Cuban government has also requested a special session of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss the situation.

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No hay wifi, no hay electricidad, no podemos trabajar.