Politics Cuba in crisis: Another island-wide power outage
For the second time in a week, there has been an island-wide power outage in Cuba. Following the blackout, work is underway to restore the power supply under difficult circumstances, announced Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz. The power grid had already completely collapsed on Monday in the socialist Caribbean state, which is in dire economic straits.
22.03.2026, 08:16
SDA
Cuba's outdated infrastructure is in poor condition due to a lack of maintenance. The situation has also deteriorated dramatically due to an oil embargo imposed by US President Donald Trump. The power supply is dependent on oil and the country has not received any oil supplies from abroad for three months.
Without electricity, scarce food spoils
In the country of almost ten million inhabitants, frequent power cuts and fuel shortages are exacerbating the already dramatic living conditions of the population. Without energy, the little food available in the fridge spoils. Telephone and internet connections are constantly interrupted. Hospitals have to cut their services. Classes at schools and universities are canceled. Due to the lack of fuel, garbage is piling up on the streets because waste disposal is only possible to a limited extent.
Even the US embassy is affected by the power cuts. According to a report in the Washington Post, the Cuban government recently refused to allow the US embassy to import diesel for generators. The embassy was "shamelessly" claiming a privilege that the USA was denying the Cuban people, it said.
Washington and Havana hold confidential talks
Relations between Washington and Havana have been tense since the 1959 revolution under the left-wing revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. Cuba's communist government attributes the country's economic crisis to the US trade embargo, which has been in place for more than 60 years, and the current oil embargo.
Even before the US military operation in Venezuela in January, President Trump had ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned oil tankers carrying supplies from Cuba's South American allies. He also cut off Cuba's oil supply by threatening to impose tariffs on potential suppliers. Trump is trying to force economic and political changes on the island and has hinted at a US takeover of Cuba. At the same time, Washington and Havana are holding talks, the content of which is not known. Havana has ruled out changes to its political system.
