Cuba Endures Third Power Grid Collapse in 10 Days Amid Energy Crisis

Cuba's beleaguered national power grid has suffered another collapse, resulting in the third island-wide blackout within a mere ten days, affecting approximately 10 million residents. The nationwide outage commenced around 11am local time, as confirmed by the state-run electricity entity, UNE. Cuba's Ministry of Energy and Mines announced a total disconnection of the electrical system, further intensifying the island's ongoing economic woes.

This power grid failure emerges against the backdrop of an intensifying economic crisis, exacerbated by dwindling fuel supplies due to a US-imposed oil blockade. The blockade, initiated by former President Donald Trump, followed Venezuela's political upheaval and the U.S.'s successful bid to expel President Nicolás Maduro. Historically reliant on Venezuela for subsidized fuel, Cuba's energy production covers merely 40% of its requirements, leaving it vulnerable to international pressures.

The persistent energy outages have ignited public dissent, manifesting in isolated protests across Havana, where citizens demand resolution from their government by banging pots and chanting for power restoration. Cuban authorities attribute these blackouts to external political pressure, particularly the US fuel blockade, while Washington remains adamant that systemic issues within Cuba’s aging infrastructure are responsible.