HAVANA — Cuba’s electrical grid has collapsed, leaving approximately 10 million people without electricity as the island nation grapples with its worst energy crisis in decades. According to reports from The Guardian, BBC News, The New York Times, Associated Press, CNBC, and NPR, the nationwide blackout represents a critical escalation in Cuba’s ongoing struggle with chronic fuel shortages exacerbated by a US oil blockade. Each of the bullet points immediately below have been confirmed by at least four of the six respected sources we curated on this story.
- Cuba’s electrical grid has collapsed nationwide, affecting the entire island of approximately 10-11 million people
- Approximately 10 million people have been left without power, with only minimal restoration efforts reaching about 5% of Havana by Monday night
- Chronic fuel shortages caused by US oil blockade on shipments to Cuba have crippled the country’s ability to generate electricity
- Violent protests occurred over the weekend before the collapse, with demonstrators storming a Communist Party building in the city of Moron
- Five people were arrested in Cuba after protesting at a local Communist party office
- President Trump has made aggressive statements about Cuba amid the crisis, stating he believes he will have the “honor of taking Cuba”
Additional Details Reported
According to some sources, Cuba’s tourism industry is collapsing under the weight of the ongoing crisis, with international visitors canceling trips to the island. Cuban officials may announce moves to open the economy to foreign investors, including allowing Cubans residing abroad to own private companies and participate in large-scale infrastructure projects. European leaders have expressed concern about the humanitarian impact of the crisis on the Cuban population.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines confirmed a “complete disconnection” of the country’s electrical system. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel acknowledged that the island had not received oil shipments in three months and was operating on solar power, natural gas, and thermoelectric plants. The crisis has forced the government to postpone surgeries for tens of thousands of people.
President Trump told reporters Monday that he believes he’ll have the “honor of taking Cuba,” adding, “Whether I free it, take it. I think I could do anything I want with it,” calling Cuba a “very weakened nation.” The Trump administration is reportedly demanding that Cuba release political prisoners and move toward political and economic liberalization in return for lifting sanctions.
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