Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis after completely running out of diesel and fuel oil, according to the country’s Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy. The announcement has raised fresh concern over the island’s fragile power system, which has already been struggling with long blackouts and limited fuel supplies.
In an interview with state-run media, de la O Levy said Cuba still had limited gas available from domestic wells, but no remaining diesel or fuel oil. He described the national energy system as being in a critical condition, blaming a US-led blockade on oil shipments for worsening the shortage.
The minister said parts of Havana had been left without electricity for up to 20 to 22 hours a day. Hospitals, schools, government offices and public services have all been affected by the worsening shortage, while tourism, one of Cuba’s key sources of income, has also suffered.
Havana Hit by Protests Over Blackouts
The worsening blackouts triggered scattered protests in Havana on Wednesday, as residents expressed frustration over the lack of electricity and worsening living conditions. Reuters reported that hundreds of people took to the streets in parts of the capital, blocking roads with burning rubbish and shouting anti-government slogans.
In the San Miguel del Padrón neighbourhood, residents were heard demanding that power be restored. The protests marked one of the most visible signs of public anger since Cuba’s energy crisis intensified earlier this year.
For many Cubans, the blackouts have made daily life increasingly difficult. Food storage has become harder, hospitals have struggled to operate normally, and schools and offices have been forced to close during extended outages.
Cuba Blames US Pressure on Fuel Suppliers
Cuba has traditionally relied on Venezuela and Mexico to help supply oil to its refinery system. However, those flows have been sharply reduced after US President Donald Trump threatened tariffs against countries that send fuel to Cuba.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel blamed Washington for the worsening crisis, saying the island was facing what he called a “genocidal energy blockade.” He said the situation had become particularly tense and accused the US of pressuring other nations not to supply Cuba with fuel.
Cuban officials argue that the shortage is not only the result of weak domestic infrastructure, but also of external pressure that has made it harder for the country to secure fuel imports.
US Repeats Offer of Humanitarian Aid
The United States has repeated its offer to provide $100m in humanitarian aid to Cuba, saying the support would be distributed through the Catholic Church and trusted humanitarian organisations.
Washington said the Cuban government must decide whether to accept the assistance or block what it described as life-saving aid. US officials have also linked the offer to calls for meaningful reforms in Cuba’s communist political system.
Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Havana had rejected the aid proposal, though Cuba denied that claim.
Sanctions Add to Tensions
Tensions between Washington and Havana have increased further after the US imposed new sanctions on senior Cuban officials in early May. The US accused them of involvement in human rights abuses, while Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez rejected the sanctions as illegal and abusive.
The sanctions have added another layer to the diplomatic dispute, as Cuba’s energy shortage continues to put pressure on the government and the population.
Energy Shortage Leaves Cuba Facing Uncertain Days Ahead
With diesel and fuel oil supplies exhausted, Cuba’s power grid remains under heavy strain. The country is now relying on limited gas production, domestic resources and any fuel it can still secure from abroad.
The crisis has become more than an energy problem. It is now affecting public health, education, transportation, tourism and political stability.
As blackouts continue and fuel imports remain uncertain, Cuba faces one of its most serious energy challenges in years. For ordinary citizens, the immediate demand is simple: electricity, fuel and relief from a crisis that has disrupted nearly every part of daily life.