Electricity Only 30 Minutes Per Day: Severe Energy Crisis in Cuba

Cuba has exhausted its oil reserves due to the strict blockade imposed by the United States, triggering nationwide power outages. The Cuban economy has been paralysed, and the country’s infrastructure has collapsed. The nation produces less than half of its required oil and has officially run out of reserves. The small amount of fuel produced domestically is being diverted to hospitals and other essential services. For the general public, electricity may only be available for 30 to 90 minutes per day. During this brief window, citizens rush to cook and complete household chores.

Cuban Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy stated that Cuba has completely run out of diesel and fuel oil. He explained that while the amount of available gas is limited, Cuba’s energy system is in a critical state due to the US-led oil blockade. Cuban citizens have suffered from widespread, sometimes nationwide, power outages for months. According to de la O Levy, the national power grid operates using domestic crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy, following the depletion of fuel supplies from Russian tankers that arrived in April. Although Cuba has installed 1,300 megawatts of solar power over the last two years, much of this capacity has been lost due to grid instability caused by fuel shortages, reducing both efficiency and output. Despite the installation of solar panels, Cuba lacks the battery storage necessary to continue supplying electricity to homes throughout the night.