Cuba grid collapse: The situation is growing more dire, experts say
Cuba is facing a worsening energy crisis marked by prolonged blackouts, fuel shortages, and a collapsing electrical grid, severely disrupting daily life. Experts attribute the crisis to the loss of Venezuelan oil shipments and U.S. sanctions that deter international suppliers. The situation has led to widespread impacts on water, transportation, communications, and basic services across the island.
- ▪Cuba has run out of fuel reserves, with the energy minister stating there is 'absolutely no diesel' available.
- ▪The U.S. embassy issued a security alert warning of an increasingly unstable national electrical grid and daily power outages affecting essential services.
- ▪Venezuela previously supplied about 24% of Cuba's daily oil consumption, a critical loss after the U.S. disrupted shipments in January 2026.
- ▪The Trump administration imposed a national security emergency on Cuba, threatening tariffs on countries supplying oil, which has deterred most international aid.
- ▪About 80% of Cuba's electricity comes from natural gas plants, while around 20% is generated from renewable sources, including solar energy.
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ABC NewsLiveVideoShowsGood Morning AmericaShopGMAInterest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onCuba grid collapse: The situation is growing more dire, experts sayDaily life in Cuba has become unbearable, experts told ABC News.ByJulia JacoboMay 16, 2026, 4:45 PM1:19People cook with firewood during a blackout in Havana on May 13, 2026. Cuba blamed the United States for the "particularly tense" situation in its power grid on May 13, 2026, which has been plagued by prolonged blackouts, while Washington once again offered $100 million in aid to the island.
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