HAVANA: Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis with widespread fuel shortages leading to prolonged electricity blackouts across the country. The Cuban government has acknowledged the shortage and urged citizens to remain patient as it struggles to maintain power supply.
According to global news agencies, the shortage has severely reduced electricity generation, plunging large parts of the country into darkness. Some regions have reportedly experienced power cuts lasting up to 19 hours daily, while other areas suffered full-day blackouts.
In his speech at a press conference, Cuba’s Minister of Energy admitted that the country has no fuel, oil, or diesel. The Cuban government is relying on local sources of gas and crude oil manufactured within the country; however, such endeavours have proven ineffective to meet the demands.
The Cuban government attributed the crisis to US sanctions and international pressure, making it difficult to secure fuel imports, putting further pressure on the country’s power infrastructure. According to the Cuban President, the United States was responsible for the crisis, terming it an ‘energy siege.’ There is a gap of more than 2,000 megawatts between electricity production and demand, with a total impact of 1,100 megawatts.
Popular anger at the situation has led to demonstrations in Havana and elsewhere, with people in the streets demanding the return of electricity.
The Cuban electrical grid is highly dependent on thermal power stations, most of which are over 40 years old and subject to frequent outages. In addition to existing shortages in food, medicines, and other supplies, increased inflation has added to the hardships experienced by Cubans.
Earlier in the year, the US announced tougher penalties on fuel delivery, permitting the use of only one Russian tanker to reach the island nation. Although the US promised to provide aid in the amount of $100 million, it was only on condition that the aid would be distributed via the Catholic Church and not the government. The Foreign Minister of Cuba has made no promises but expressed openness to looking into the matter.
In the midst of all this trouble, President Donald Trump has frequently stated his intention to topple Cuba’s regime next after Iran.
