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Cuba energy crisis worsens amid U.S. blockade and massive power outages
Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis characterized by widespread power outages and critical fuel shortages. The state utility, Unión Eléctrica (UNE), reported that a single major outage recently affected 66% of the country, with a generation deficit leaving a massive gap between demand and available supply.
The Cuban government attributes this crisis to the United States' economic and energy blockade, which it describes as a violation of international law. According to a recent report from Havana, the blockade caused an estimated 8,083.3 million dollars in damages between March 2025 and February 2026, representing a 7% increase from the previous period. Cumulative damages are estimated at over 178,700 million dollars.
These shortages have forced significant societal adaptations, including the use of charcoal for agricultural tasks, manual labor to replace electric appliances, and the adoption of Chinese-made solar tricycles for transport. The energy deficit has also impacted essential services, including hospitals and public transportation.
At the United Nations, the Human Rights Council recently reviewed a report by Special Rapporteur Alena Douhan regarding the impact of unilateral coercive measures. The report and subsequent discussions highlighted international calls for the United States to lift restrictions on essential goods and energy supplies. Meanwhile, the UN is reportedly in negotiations with various countries to facilitate the delivery of fuel to Cuba for humanitarian purposes.
Entities
Bruno Rodríguez · Cuba · Ministerio de Energía y Minas · Televisión Cubana · United Nations · United States · Unión Eléctrica
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cumulative damages from the blockade have reached 178,700.5 million dollars at current prices. mundoobrero.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The UN is negotiating with several countries to facilitate the shipment of fuel to Cuba for humanitarian purposes. www.radiohc.cu
- [○ 1 SOURCE] As of the end of May 2026, Cuba had 2.67 million tons less fuel than originally planned. mundoobrero.es
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Cuba's GDP in 2025 would have been 10.8% higher without the U.S. blockade. mundoobrero.es
- [● 2 SOURCES] Damages caused by the U.S. blockade between March 2025 and February 2026 amounted to 8,083.3 million dollars. combonoticias.com · mundoobrero.es
- [DISPUTED] The estimated power deficit reached 2,220 MW during peak demand periods. conexion23.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The largest power cut simultaneously shut down 66% of the country. conexion23.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The UN Human Rights Council unanimously supported a report criticizing U.S. unilateral coercive measures against Cuba. www.radiobayamo.icrt.cu · www.escambray.cu