Millions in Cuba have been left without power after the national electric grid collapsed on Monday, the country's power operator announced. This is the latest in a series of widespread power outages affecting the nation, a situation worsened by ongoing fuel shortages due to a recent US blockade on oil shipments to the island.
UNE, Cuba's grid operator, is gradually restoring electricity in provinces and cities, but discontent among citizens is brewing. Cuba, home to around 10 million people, has faced persistent blackouts in recent years, which have provoked rare protests.
The country relies heavily on imported fuel, particularly from Venezuela, which previously supplied about half of Cuba's oil needs. However, these shipments have come to a halt since US actions against Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro began in January. Oil shipments to Cuba have been disrupted, leading to worsening living conditions and the potential for more unrest.
No oil shipments have arrived in Cuba in over three months, according to President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Meanwhile, US President Trump has ramped up pressure on Cuba by threatening tariffs on countries that provide oil to the island.
The humanitarian crisis has led to rare protests, such as the recent storming of a Communist Party building in Moron, triggered by steep food prices and ongoing blackouts. Everyday Cubans express their frustration about the power outages, with one resident stating, We're getting used to living like this.
