'Stuck between two psychopaths': Cubans describe life as country goes dark
Cubans are facing severe hardships due to an ongoing oil blockade and power shortages. The tourism industry has collapsed, leading to increased poverty and health crises. Residents are struggling with basic necessities as the situation continues to deteriorate amidst uncertainty regarding U.S. policies.
- ▪Power blackouts in Cuba can last up to 16 hours a day, crippling daily life.
- ▪The U.S. has maintained a blockade on oil shipments to Cuba, exacerbating the crisis.
- ▪Healthcare services are severely impacted, with many patients waiting for surgeries due to supply shortages.
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Cubans describe life under oil blockade and uncertainty over America's next moveBy Emilie Gramenz in Washington DC and Harvey Lujes in HavanaTopic:World PoliticsFri 22 May 2026 at 6:01amFri 22 May 2026 at 6:01amFri 22 May 2026 at 6:01amabc.net.au/news/cubans-describe-life-under-oil-blockade/106709042Link copiedShareShare articleThe colourful charm of Cuba's capital, Havana, has long made it a magnet for tourists from abroad.That's why Betty* decided to start a tour guide business after moving there a couple of years ago.Betty had been forced to leave her home city, further inland, because power blackouts had become crippling.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).