Mar 4 • 19:42 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Guardian

Blackout in Cuba leaves millions without power amid US oil chokehold

A significant blackout in western Cuba has left millions, including those in Havana, without electricity as the country grapples with energy crisis worsened by dwindling oil supply.

On Wednesday, a major blackout struck the western portion of Cuba, impacting millions of residents from Havana to Pinar del Rio and Camaguey. This outage is part of a broader energy crisis facing the island nation, heavily influenced by severe limitations on oil supplies and the deteriorating condition of its electricity grid. The Cuban Electric Union immediately confirmed the situation on social media, emphasizing the widespread nature of the outage and its implications for daily life and economic activity in the affected areas.

Cuban authorities are making efforts to rectify this complex energy situation. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz was seen collaborating with Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O Levy to address the incident and outline the restoration process. In a message posted on social media, Marrero expressed confidence in the skills of electrical workers to resolve the power issues promptly, while de la O Levy noted that one power plant has resumed operations, indicating steps are being taken to stabilize the National Electric System.

This blackout highlights the ongoing struggles Cuba faces as it attempts to manage its energy resources amid external pressures, particularly from the United States. The implications of this blackout extend beyond immediate inconveniences, affecting basic services and transportation, and underscoring the critical need for sustainable solutions to the island's energy challenges.

📡 Similar Coverage