Cuba experienced an island-wide blackout on Monday, affecting approximately 11 million residents as energy and economic crises deepen. The Ministry of Energy and Mines reported a “complete disconnection” of the electrical system and initiated protocols for restoration. President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that Cuba had not received oil shipments in over three months, relying instead on solar power, natural gas, and thermoelectric plants.
The government has postponed surgeries for tens of thousands of people due to the lack of electricity. A massive outage occurred in western Cuba last week, affecting millions without power. In 2025, nearly a year ago, another significant outage hit the west coast of the island.
Cuba heavily relies on foreign assistance and oil shipments from allies like Mexico, Russia, and Venezuela. However, critical oil shipments from Venezuela were halted after the U.S. attacked South America in January and arrested its then-president, Nicolás Maduro.
Despite producing 40% of its petroleum, Cuba’s electric grid continues to crumble, failing to meet demand. Residents have been seen banging pots and pans in protests known as “cacerolazo,” reflecting growing frustration with electricity outages, food shortages, and deteriorating living conditions. Blackouts have previously sparked anti-government demonstrations in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
On Friday, Díaz-Canel confirmed that Cuba was holding talks with the U.S. government as problems continue to deepen. A U.S. official stated earlier this year that the Trump administration does not seek a collapse of the Cuban government but aims to negotiate with Havana for a transition away from its authoritarian communist system.