Cuba Runs Out Of Fuel Amid Iran Crisis, 20-Hour Power Cuts Follow
Cuba has installed 1,300 megawatts of solar power over the past two years, but much of that capacity is lost to grid instability amid fuel shortages.
www.ndtv.comDirect answer: Cuba is experiencing a severe fuel crisis in mid-May 2026, with the government reporting a complete depletion of diesel and fuel oil and widespread power outages, including protests in Havana.
Context and latest developments:
- Cuba’s Energy and Mines Ministry announced on May 13, 2026 that the country has exhausted diesel and fuel oil supplies, warning that the national grid is in a critical condition and that reserves are depleted. This has led to rolling blackouts across Havana and other provinces, with some neighborhoods reporting 20–22 hours without electricity daily. These conditions mark one of the sharpest energy squeezes the island has faced in recent years. [Reuters, May 13, 2026; US News, May 13, 2026]
- The crisis has been attributed partly to a long-running U.S. embargo on fuel shipments, complicating imports and driving up costs for any potential supplier. Cuban officials have stated they remain open to imports from any willing seller, though prices and global logistics remain a constraint. [Reuters, May 13, 2026; US News, May 13, 2026]
- International outlets reported protests in Havana as outages worsened, with authorities blaming the fuel blockade and external pressures for the deterioration of services, while the Cuban government framed the crisis within the context of the blockade. [BBC News, May 13–14, 2026; LatestLY, May 13, 2026]
Background context (for clarity):
- The island has long relied on a mix of imported fuels (diesel, fuel oil) and domestic gas, with recent shortages intensifying as imports have dwindled under external sanctions and geopolitical shifts. This has affected electricity generation and public services, contributing to social unrest in some cases. [BBC News summary, May 2026; Reuters reporting, May 2026]
What to watch next:
- Updates on any new fuel shipments or relief measures (e.g., rationing, prioritization of critical services) and any statements from Cuban authorities about timelines for replenishment. Also watch for international diplomatic or humanitarian channels offering aid or mediation to alleviate shortages. [Reuters/BBC coverage, May 2026]
If you’d like, I can pull concise, up-to-date headlines and create a brief timeline or map of affected regions based on the latest reports. I can also monitor for official statements and quantify the scale of outages (hours per day by region) once new data becomes available.