Cuba's power outages force rationing of communion hosties

Prolonged daily electricity cuts on the island, exacerbated by the United States' oil embargo and sanctions, have reduced the hours of power available to the Carmelite monastery in Havana to as little as two hours a day. The limited electricity prevents the machines that bake and press the thin wafers used for Catholic communion from operating, sharply lowering the daily output of hosties.

Catholic clergy, including Dominican priest George Payano, report that the reduced supply has compelled bishops to ration the distribution of hosties across parishes. Despite the shortages, worshippers such as 70‑year‑old pensioner Mariela Shuman say they continue to attend mass and keep their faith, even when services take place amid fresh outages. The episode illustrates how Cuba's broader energy, economic and inflation crises are reaching even the religious sphere.