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Cuba declares critical fuel shortage
Cuba has exhausted its diesel and fuel oil reserves, pushing the country's energy system into a state of emergency, Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy announced on Thursday. Limited natural gas supplies remain, but the crisis has triggered protests and widespread blackouts across the island.
Government blames US sanctions
In an interview with state media, de la O Levy attributed the shortage to a US-led blockade that has severed Cuba's oil imports. The minister confirmed that crude oil, fuel oil, and diesel stocks have been depleted entirely, leaving only domestically produced natural gas to sustain operations.
Blackouts lasting 20 to 22 hours have become routine in parts of Havana, disrupting hospitals, schools, and government offices. Tourism, a key economic driver, has also suffered significant setbacks, according to the minister.
Protests erupt in Havana
Frustration over the energy crisis boiled over on Wednesday, as hundreds of Cubans took to the streets in Havana, blocking roads with burning debris and chanting anti-government slogans. Demonstrations in the San Miguel del Padrón neighborhood included calls for electricity restoration, with residents shouting, "Turn on the lights!"
Reuters described the protests as the largest single night of unrest since the crisis began in January. Authorities have not reported any arrests, but the situation remains volatile.
US offers aid amid diplomatic tensions
The US State Department reiterated an offer of $100 million in humanitarian assistance this week, contingent on Cuba implementing "meaningful reforms" to its communist system. The aid would be distributed through the Catholic Church and vetted humanitarian organizations, according to US officials.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejected the conditions, blaming the US for the crisis. In a social media post, he accused Washington of imposing a "genocidal energy blockade" and threatening tariffs on nations supplying fuel to Cuba. The Cuban Foreign Ministry dismissed recent US sanctions targeting senior officials as "illegal and abusive."
Supply chain collapse
Cuba traditionally relies on Venezuela and Mexico for oil imports, but both countries have reduced shipments following US pressure. The Trump administration previously warned of tariffs on nations aiding Cuba, further tightening the island's access to fuel.
De la O Levy acknowledged the "extremely tense" situation but did not outline immediate solutions. The government has yet to respond to the latest US aid proposal, leaving the fate of millions of Cubans uncertain as the crisis deepens.
