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A massive blackout struck western Cuba on Wednesday, leaving millions without power in the latest outage on the island as it grapples with dwindling oil supplies due to sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump.
The US Embassy in Cuba said that at approximately 12:41 a.m., “connection to the national electrical grid spanning from Camagüey to Pinar del Río, including the greater Havana metropolitan area, was disconnected, resulting in a total blackout”.
“Cuba’s national electricity grid is increasingly unstable and prolonged scheduled and unscheduled power outages are a daily occurrence across the country, including in Havana,” the embassy said.
“Outages affect water supplies, lighting, refrigeration and communications. Take precautions and prepare for significant disruption by conserving fuel, water, food and mobile phone charges.”
Neia Perez, 86, paints the nails of her neighbor Reyna Maria Rodriguez, 77, during a massive blackout across much of the country in Havana, Cuba, on March 4, 2026. (Reuters/Norlis Perez)
The incident was reportedly caused by the unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, located about 62 miles east of Havana.
According to the Associated Press, local reports indicate it could take at least three days for the island to restore operations.
Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O Levy said that “We are working on the restoration of the SEN amid a complex energy situation.”
At least one power plant, Felton 1, remains online, he said.
Cuban President defiant, says no talks scheduled due to Trump’s move to cut off oil lifeline
President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House on October 6, 2025 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Reuters reported that, because Cuba is accustomed to frequent power outages due to state-imposed energy rationing, some traffic lights and businesses remained operational due to solar panels or backup generators. The outlet said many residents have also installed solar panels on their homes and vehicles to maintain power amid rising fuel prices.
Cuba has suffered widespread blackouts in recent years due to long-standing problems with its aging electricity infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages.
However, the situation worsened in January when a US military operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and froze Venezuelan oil exports, effectively cutting off Cuba’s major source of fuel.
FILE – Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel attends the COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Peter DeJong, File)
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Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said in January that his administration would not negotiate with Washington to establish a new agreement, despite the US ending Havana’s energy lifeline.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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