HAVANA (AP) — Cuba is grappling with widespread power outages, the latest sign of hardship exacerbated by a U.S. fuel blockade, officials say. A recent nationwide blackout left 10 million Cubans in darkness, the second such incident in a week, highlighting the fragility of the island’s aging power grid.
The U.S. Embassy in Havana recently requested permission to import diesel fuel to power its generators, a request Cuba’s government denied, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the matter. Cuban officials publicly criticized the request as “shameless,” pointing to the ongoing U.S. sanctions as the root cause of the fuel shortages.
The restrictions, initially imposed by the Trump administration, severely limit Cuba’s access to fuel and other essential goods. The blockade impacts Cuba’s ability to maintain its infrastructure, including its power plants.
While the full extent of the impact is difficult to quantify, the recurring blackouts underscore the daily challenges faced by ordinary Cubans. The situation raises concerns about access to essential services, including healthcare and water.
