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Cuba faces critical shortages of water, food, and medicine
Cuba is facing a multifaceted crisis characterized by severe shortages of essential goods and services. Beyond the ongoing energy crisis, citizens are reporting critical difficulties accessing potable water, cooking gas, transportation, and food. In Havana, residents have noted that the high cost of basic items like cooking oil often exceeds the purchasing power of state pensions.
Medical shortages are also a significant concern. Authorities have admitted that the country cannot import enough medicines to meet national demand, citing energy blockades and U.S. executive orders. In response, the Cuban government began allowing private management of pharmacies in July.
In rural areas such as Bermejal, residents have engaged in protests to demand the restoration of water and electricity services. The Observatorio Cubano de Conflictos reported 1,249 protest actions and complaints in 2025, many driven by utility shortages and blackouts.
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What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Residents in the rural community of Bermejal reported going over a month without water access. diariodecuba.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Observatorio Cubano de Conflictos recorded 1,249 protest actions and complaints in 2025. diariodecuba.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Cuban government formalized the management of pharmacies by private entities in July. n.com.do · oncubanews.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Cuban authorities have acknowledged an inability to import sufficient medicines and supplies to meet national demand. n.com.do · oncubanews.com