Cuba's deepening energy crisis has left millions of residents struggling to access even the most basic necessities – water and power. A perfect storm of factors, including Venezuela's oil exports suspension following US forces' capture of President Nicolás Maduro, has exacerbated fuel shortages, already compounded by the long-standing US embargo and economic sanctions. The situation is dire: Cuba's water system operates with just 37% of its required fuel, according to the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources.
Havana, the capital, bears the brunt of this crisis. Up to 70% of its water is lost through leaks in the ageing distribution network before it even reaches households. Residents like Mirella Martínez, a former security guard in Havana's Chinatown, have endured almost three years without reliable running water. Millions more join her daily struggle, forced to make multiple journeys for water, often walking long distances and carrying heavy jerrycans – an arduous task made worse by the scorching heat.
The energy shortages also bring economic implications for Cuba. As residents adapt their lives around sporadic power supplies, informal economies are emerging: former intensive care physician Juan Miguel Reyes now spends his days hauling water to those whose taps have run dry. While wealthy families can afford private water trucks, the majority rely on unregulated carriers or exhausting self-procurement.
The UK Foreign Office has advised British nationals travelling to Cuba to be aware of ongoing energy shortages and their impact on daily life. Although disruptions may be limited for tourists, the broader implications for the Cuban economy and its citizens are significant. As the crisis worsens, it could lead to further instability and humanitarian concerns – developments closely monitored by the UK Government.