For the second time in a week, Cuba has experienced an island-wide power outage.
March 22, 2026, 05:48March 22, 2026, 05:48
After the blackout, work is underway to restore the energy supply under difficult circumstances, said Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz. The power grid in the economically very struggling socialist Caribbean country had already collapsed completely on Monday.
The power goes out again in Cuba.Image: keystone
In Cuba, aging infrastructure is in poor condition due to lack of maintenance. The situation has also worsened dramatically due to an oil embargo imposed by US President Donald Trump. Electricity depends on oil and the country has not received oil supplies from abroad for three months.
Without electricity, scarce food spoils
In the country with almost ten million inhabitants, frequent power outages and fuel shortages are exacerbating the population’s already dramatic living conditions for years. Without energy, the few foods available in the refrigerator spoil. The phone and internet connection keeps dropping out. Hospitals have to reduce their services. Classes at schools and universities are canceled. Due to the lack of fuel, garbage collects on the streets because waste disposal is only possible to a limited extent.
Even the US embassy is affected by the power outages. According to a report in the Washington Post, the Cuban government recently refused to allow the US mission to import diesel for generators. It was said that the embassy was “shamelessly” claiming a privilege that the USA denied the Cuban people.
Washington and Havana hold confidential talks
Relations between Washington and Havana have been tense since the 1959 revolution under left-wing revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. The communist government of Cuba attributes the country’s economic crisis to the US trade embargo that has existed for more than 60 years and to the current oil embargo.
Even before the US military operation in Venezuela in January, President Trump had ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers carrying deliveries from Cuba’s South American allies. He also cut off Cuba’s oil supply by threatening tariffs on potential suppliers. Trump is trying to force economic and political changes on the island and has hinted at a U.S. takeover of Cuba. At the same time, Washington and Havana are holding talks, the content of which is not known. Havana has ruled out changes to its political system. (sda/dpa)