In Cuba, the collapse of the tourism industry has drastically affected the country's economy, resulting in its most significant power outage since the U.S. imposed energy restrictions. The number of tourists fell by nearly 70% since 2018, with only 1.6 million visitors last year compared to 4.2 million before the pandemic. This decline has severely limited the government's ability to import essential goods, leading to food shortages and a lack of electricity, prompting increased reliance on the black market.

The current energy crisis is deeply intertwined with the economic fragmentation occurring on the island, whereby citizens are struggling to secure basic necessities. The Castro regime's response has included reducing subsidies and rationing, which only serves to widen the gap between a populace surviving on pesos and those who benefit from remittances or private business in dollars. This growing inequality is reminiscent of the disparity experienced after the Soviet Union withdrew its support, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities.

While the U.S. continues its propaganda against the Cuban government, the impact of the energy blockade is evident, with little acknowledgment of the role it plays in the suffering of the Cuban people. The situation suggests that without a quick resolution to both the energy crisis and the economic fragmentation, the hardships for many Cubans may continue to worsen, potentially destabilizing the regime further.