Cuba paralyzed by fuel crisis, ongoing power outages spark protests in the capital

Staff Reporter: PNN

Cuba has effectively become paralyzed due to a severe fuel crisis. Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy said that the country’s diesel and fuel oil reserves have been completely exhausted, severely affecting electricity production and causing prolonged power outages in Havana and other regions.

In an interview with state media, the minister said that the country currently has only limited gas supplies extracted from local wells. However, the national electricity system is in a “critical” condition.

Due to the fuel crisis, some areas of Havana are experiencing power cuts lasting 20 to 22 hours per day. This has disrupted hospitals, educational institutions, and government offices. The tourism sector has also been negatively affected.

Amid this situation, protests broke out in various parts of Havana on Wednesday night. Hundreds of people took to the streets demanding the restoration of electricity and blocked roads by setting fires in some areas. Reuters reported that this is the largest protest in the capital since the fuel crisis began.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel blamed the United States for the crisis. In a social media statement, he said that the situation has worsened due to U.S. energy blockades and sanctions.

The United States, however, said it is ready to provide $100 million in humanitarian aid to Cuba, but Washington stated that meaningful political reforms would be required for the assistance to take effect. The Cuban government rejected this proposal.

Analysts say Cuba has long depended on Venezuela and Mexico for fuel supplies. However, after increased U.S. pressure and possible tariff threats, those countries have reduced supplies, worsening the crisis further.