Cuba Plunges Into Complete Darkness as Energy Crisis Worsens

The entire nation of Cuba lost electricity Monday as the country's energy crisis deepens. Officials blame U.S. sanctions for cutting off oil supplies, forcing the island to rely on limited domestic energy sources.

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba’s entire population of 11 million people was left without electricity Monday as authorities confirmed a total power grid failure amid the nation’s worsening energy and economic struggles. The Caribbean island attributes its current difficulties to what it calls a U.S. energy embargo, implemented after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs in January against any nation providing oil to Cuba.

Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines posted on X that the nation’s electrical infrastructure experienced a “complete disconnection” and announced they were looking into the cause.

Last Friday, President Miguel Díaz-Canel revealed the nation hasn’t received any oil deliveries for over three months, forcing reliance on solar energy, natural gas, and thermoelectric facilities. The power shortage has forced authorities to delay medical procedures for tens of thousands of citizens.

Just over a week ago, another major power failure struck the island’s western region, cutting electricity to millions of residents.

Essential oil deliveries from Venezuela stopped flowing after the United States took action against the South American nation in early January, including the arrest of former president Nicolás Maduro.

Although Cuba manages to produce 40% of its own oil and generates some electricity domestically, these resources fall short of meeting the population’s needs as the electrical infrastructure continues deteriorating.

President Díaz-Canel revealed Friday that Cuban officials are currently engaged in discussions with the U.S. government as the crisis continues to worsen.