Cuba Grapples With Sixth Nationwide Blackout as Energy Crisis Deepens

Cubans began Monday assessing the aftermath of another sweeping blackout that struck Sunday evening, marking the sixth complete loss of electrical power across the island in 2024. The state-run utility offered no explanation for the grid failure, which left most of the nation without electricity as government technicians worked to restore service to affected regions.

Recovery efforts proceeded unevenly, with Havana regaining partial power by Monday while vast stretches of the Caribbean island remained without electricity. The outage affected major population centers including Pinar del Río, Matanzas, and the capital, compounding hardships already facing residents across the nation.

The recurring blackouts stem from Cuba’s broader economic unraveling, accelerated after the Trump administration tightened restrictions on oil shipments to the island in January, effectively isolating it from critical fuel supplies. The energy sector has deteriorated further due to aging infrastructure, capital flight, and widespread emigration that has drained the country of working-age citizens.

Power outages now regularly extend beyond 20 hours daily, forcing Cubans to spend entire days procuring fuel and essential supplies while the tourism sector has contracted sharply. Healthcare facilities struggle to maintain operations, and residents in Havana increasingly sleep outdoors along the malecón waterfront to escape oppressive summer heat without air conditioning.