Cuba is grappling with a severe energy crisis, marked by widespread blackouts and crippling power outages. To address the situation, the government announced a three-day shutdown of all non-essential services and businesses, including schools and cultural activities, media reported. This measure aims to stabilize the electricity grid.
The crisis is attributed to a combination of factors, including aging infrastructure, fuel shortages, and increased demand. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero emphasized that "the fuel shortage is the biggest factor," while President Miguel Diaz-Canel blamed the US for "financial and energy persecution."
The situation worsened after Hurricane Milton disrupted fuel deliveries. Additionally, Cuba's two largest power plants were taken offline for maintenance, and Turkish power ships operating in Cuba ran out of fuel, further impacting power generation.
While the government assured that Cuba is not facing a complete crisis, power outages are causing significant hardship for the population, particularly outside Havana, where outages often extend beyond 18 hours per day, according to the report.
The government reportedly expects power generation to improve as fuel distribution resumes.