Cuba is going dark under US pressure. How the crisis unfolded and why its troubles are far from over
Cuba is going dark under US pressure. How the crisis unfolded and why its troubles are far from over
Three months into the US-led oil embargo, Cuba’s energy shortfall has escalated to a crisis point, disrupting daily life across the nation. Garbage accumulates on Havana’s streets, hospital operations are constrained, households rely on wood fires for heating, and frequent blackouts have become the norm. President Miguel Díaz-Canel highlighted the challenge during a televised address, acknowledging that resolving the issue requires effort while emphasizing the government’s commitment to finding solutions.
The Embargo’s Long Reach
The US has enforced an economic blockade on Cuba since the 1960s, with UN data showing it has cost the country “trillions of dollars” and hindered its “overall human development.” Despite global appeals to ease restrictions, the US intensified its pressure recently. In early January, it disrupted Cuba’s primary oil source by intercepting Venezuelan shipments following a military operation. Subsequently, other suppliers like Mexico also halted fuel deliveries after threats of additional tariffs, citing Havana’s alignment with “hostile countries and malign actors” as a risk.
A Ripple Effect Across Services
The energy crisis has compounded existing challenges, particularly in healthcare and transportation. Díaz-Canel noted that power outages have worsened, with facilities struggling to function due to insufficient fuel. Water distribution has also been impacted, according to Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, head of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources. To mitigate disruptions, the agency is exploring solar power to lessen reliance on the grid. Meanwhile, the government claims to be boosting domestic oil production to offset shortages.
Blackouts have disrupted not just electricity but also access to clean water, as noted by Rodríguez Rodríguez. He mentioned efforts to stabilize supply through alternative methods like solar panels. CNN has contacted both the institute and the Havana water company for updates on their response strategies.
Protests and Public Strain
Human Rights Watch warned that the electricity crisis is intensifying Cuba’s already precarious conditions. “The humanitarian situation in Cuba was already extremely fragile, but the electricity crisis is pushing many essential services to the limit,” said HRW’s Juanita Goebertus. She cited difficulties in accessing drinking water, hospital operations, and obtaining basic goods, along with streets choked by waste. The crisis has also spurred rare public demonstrations. On March 7, Havana residents protested by drumming pots and pans and lighting fires. Days later, students at the University of Havana staged a peaceful show of solidarity, citing power and internet outages as barriers to learning. A more disruptive protest erupted in Morón, where protesters damaged the Communist Party’s local office, leading to five arrests.
