Cuba teeters on the brink of collapse, its antiquated power grid buckling under the strain of repeated national blackouts and Washington's intensifying economic blockade. The 9.5 million-strong population is feeling the pinch, with temperatures soaring into the mid-30s and high humidity exacerbating the misery. For six months now, Cuba has been without a significant oil supply, courtesy of US sanctions that aim to strangle the communist government.
The crisis in the energy sector is not new; decades of underinvestment have left the system on life support, reliant on ageing power plants and creaking infrastructure. Energy expert Jorge Piñon notes, "The backbone of the system is old, broken and tired," leaving Cubans to cope with ruined food, lack of sleep and dwindling hopes for improvement. The 'cacerolazos' – rhythmic drumming of pots and pans – has become a ubiquitous sound in cities like Havana, symbolising collective frustration.
Cuban officials acknowledge the severity of the situation, with Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy stating, "There is a total absence of fuel, and we do not have access to spare parts for our thermoelectric units." The US campaign has effectively crippled Cuba's economy by driving out foreign companies through sanctions, including hotel operators, airlines, miners and shipping firms. Crucial imports like electric car components are being held up indefinitely.
The escalation of US pressure began on 3 January following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Former President Donald Trump has openly declared his intentions for Cuba, telling reporters in March, "Whether I free it, take it, I think I can do anything I want with it." This aggressive stance is also evident in legal proceedings, such as the charges brought against 95-year-old Raúl Castro in a Florida court in May, thirty years after the downing of small planes dropping leaflets over Havana.
Pre-existing issues like hyperinflation and faltering public services are further complicated by rising crime rates, including street fights, burglaries and violent muggings. Police response times stretch to hours, while Madrid-based group Prisoners Defenders reports a significant increase in political prisoners, now numbering 1,306, many linked to peaceful demonstrations against blackouts and water shortages.