Cuba is currently facing its most challenging situation since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The communist government is dealing with nationwide power failures that have worsened the existing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine on the island. The national grid has failed four times in the last four days, leaving most of the country, including the capital Havana, without electricity. This has forced residents to carry water from cisterns or wells to their homes and stand in long lines for basic necessities like bread.
Anti-government protests have erupted in various parts of the island, prompting President Miguel Díaz-Canel to appear on state television in military attire to warn against participation in any acts of “vandalism.” Schools and non-essential businesses were closed on Monday as authorities worked to restore power. By the afternoon, around 89% of Havana residents had electricity, with power slowly returning to rural areas.
At the same time, a category-one hurricane hit the eastern part of Cuba, adding to the challenges faced by the country. The energy crisis has come at a critical time for Cuba, which is already struggling to provide its population with essential goods and services due to lackluster tourist demand and harsh US sanctions.
Experts believe that Cuba is experiencing its worst economic and political crisis since the Soviet Union’s collapse. The government is facing significant financial difficulties, making it hard to import enough food and fuel. Power cuts have become more frequent, with residents in Havana experiencing four-hour outages regularly, while those in rural areas endure outages lasting over 12 hours a day.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero recently acknowledged that Cuba cannot afford to purchase sufficient fuel from the international market to meet its energy needs. Despite efforts from international allies like Venezuela and Russia, the country still struggles to power itself adequately. China’s installation of solar panels is a step towards a sustainable solution, but it’s a long-term project.
The US embargo has exacerbated Cuba’s fuel shortages, with the Biden administration maintaining the Trump-era sanctions. This has restricted the flow of crucial resources into the country, hindering its ability to import necessary supplies for electricity production. To address the energy crisis, Cuba must modernize its power plants and implement market-oriented reforms.
Experts suggest that radical reform and outside investment are necessary for Cuba to achieve a more stable power supply. Replacing outdated Soviet-era infrastructure will be crucial in ensuring the country’s energy sustainability in the long run.