Cuba is currently experiencing a significant economic downturn, drawing comparisons to the severe hardships of the early 1990s when the Soviet Union collapsed and cut off vital support. Citizens are facing dire conditions, including hunger, as the U.S. government has tightened restrictions on oil exports to the island, exacerbating the situation. Without oil from its traditional supplier Venezuela since December, and with supplies from Mexico cut off due to U.S. threats of tariffs, the situation has deteriorated further, pushing the government to consider extreme measures like the 'alternative zero' policy.

The energy crisis has severely impacted everyday life in Cuba, leading to long power outages, fuel shortages for essential services, and the closure of schools, hospitals, and hotels. Inflation has soared, and nationwide blackouts have darkened over 60% of the country at times, greatly affecting its citizens' quality of life. Retired individuals, such as a respondent from RTVE in Havana, have described the current situation as worse than during the special period of the 1990s, highlighting a deep sense of hopelessness and fear among the population.

As the Cuban government grapples with this intense crisis, it faces immense pressure from both domestic dissatisfaction and international political dynamics. The potential adoption of the 'alternative zero' policy signifies an attempt to find a temporary solution in the midst of economic chaos, though the long-term implications for the Cuban economy and its population remain unclear. This crisis raises concerns about the sustainability of the government and could lead to increased civil unrest if conditions do not improve quickly.