Cuba's government has announced a three-day halt to all non-essential state services and businesses as it grapples with a worsening energy crisis that has resulted in extensive blackouts across the nation. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero made the announcement during a televised address on Thursday night, stating that the government had no option but to “paralyse the economy” in response to the situation.
The measures, effective immediately, include the closure of cultural events and recreational venues such as discos, as well as public schools, which will remain closed until Monday. The state-run electricity union reported that the National Electric Power System experienced a complete failure, effectively disconnecting the entire nation from the power grid.
Marrero explained that the energy crisis stems from a combination of factors, including aging infrastructure, fuel shortages, and rising energy demand. He identified the fuel shortage as the most significant contributor to the current situation. Ironically, his address was marred by technical difficulties, highlighting the very issue he was discussing.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel attributed the energy shortfall to the "financial and energy persecution" imposed by the United States, which he claimed has hindered Cuba's ability to import necessary fuel and resources. Historically, Cuba has relied on subsidized oil from Venezuela, but that supply has become increasingly unreliable due to Venezuela's own economic challenges. Additionally, support from Russia and China has not been sufficient to fill the gap, despite diplomatic pledges of solidarity.
Despite the ongoing crisis, Marrero reassured the public that Cuba is “not yet in a bottomless abyss.” However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Millions of Cubans have been enduring prolonged power outages, with many experiencing blackouts lasting up to 12 hours. Outside the capital city of Havana, some areas face power shortages exceeding 18 hours daily. The situation was exacerbated by Hurricane Milton, which disrupted fuel deliveries to power plants, according to government officials.
The government's two largest power plants, Antonio Guiteras and Felton, are currently underperforming and are scheduled for maintenance as part of a four-year infrastructure revitalization plan. Additionally, floating power plants from Turkey have also shut down due to fuel shortages.
In a bid to address the energy crisis, the government plans to implement higher electricity rates for Cuba’s growing private businesses, which are significant consumers of energy. This move comes as many residents are already facing difficulties due to shortages of food, fuel, water, and medicine.
The worsening electricity crisis has left around 600,000 Cubans, approximately five percent of the population, without reliable access to running water, further exacerbating the issues stemming from the country's deteriorating infrastructure.
Adding to the social unrest, reports indicate a rise in violent crime linked to the emergence of a new cannabis-based drug known as "quimico," raising additional concerns for the island's stability amid these ongoing challenges.
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