From BBC News · · 1m 30s
Cuba's power grid collapses again, millions in the dark
The Caribbean island faces its sixth major blackout this year as fuel shortages and US sanctions cripple aging infrastructure.
In brief
The Caribbean island faces its sixth major blackout this year as fuel shortages and US sanctions cripple aging infrastructure. Cuba's electricity crisis stems from a combination of aging infrastructure, chronic fuel shortages worsened by US oil sanctions, and the loss of Venezuelan oil supplies. Originally reported by…
Entire grid goes dark across Cuba
Cuba's electricity system suffered total disconnection on Friday, leaving millions without power. It's the sixth major blackout to hit the island this year.
Transmission fault triggers nationwide outage
The blackout started just before 2 PM local time on Friday due to a transmission fault combined with poor weather in central Cuba. Power was restored to priority areas like hospitals by late evening.
US oil blockade starves the island
Cuba relies on fuel imports but faces a US oil blockade since the start of the year. Sanctions have cut off supplies and threatened countries shipping oil to Havana.
Venezuela's oil supply dried up
Venezuela once sent Cuba about 35,000 barrels of oil daily, covering half its needs. But Venezuela's own supplies were cut off after the US seized President Nicolás Maduro in January.
Cubans struggle with cascading shortages
Repeated blackouts have left residents without water, gas, or electricity for days at a time. Hospitals struggle to function and schools have closed, prompting rare public protests.
“Lately, it's becoming a habit. Before it happened less frequently - once a month.”
Trump threatens more pressure on Cuba
The Trump administration has announced new sanctions and threatened tariffs on countries shipping oil to Havana. Trump has openly discussed toppling Cuba's leadership, including a potential military takeover.
In short
Cuba's electricity crisis stems from a combination of aging infrastructure, chronic fuel shortages worsened by US oil sanctions, and the loss of Venezuelan oil supplies.
