Cubans are contending with the sixth nationwide power outage of the year, as the country faces a severe energy crisis. The blackouts, which have become increasingly frequent, underscore the economic free-fall the island is experiencing, compounded by U.S. pressure.
The state-run electric company reported a total blackout on Sunday night, with sweeping outages affecting western Cuba, including Havana, Pinar del Río, and Matanzas. By Monday, some electricity had been restored in the capital, but much of the Caribbean nation remained disconnected.
This latest incident follows a pattern of nationwide grid collapses in March and July, alongside numerous partial outages. The energy grid's instability leaves Cubans with limited options as they navigate daily life. Rolling blackouts are now frequently lasting over 20 hours a day, making the procurement of essential goods and fuel a daylong undertaking.
The country's economic struggles have been exacerbated by the U.S. administration's policy to effectively cut off Cuba's oil supply since January. The U.S. has also threatened tariffs on goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba. This pressure campaign, combined with crumbling infrastructure and a significant migration from the island, has pushed Cuba into a deepening crisis. The nation's tourism industry, once a vital source of revenue, has plummeted, and even hospitals are struggling to cope with the unreliable power supply.
Many residents in Havana are enduring the summer heat without electricity, with some seeking relief by sleeping along the malecón, the city's famous seaside promenade, to catch the ocean breeze.