Cuba’s national electric grid collapsed on Monday, leaving around 10 million people without power, according to the island’s grid operator UNE. The blackout comes amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade that has severely curtailed fuel imports and crippled the country’s aging generation system.
A man uses a flashlight during a blackout as Cuba’s national electric grid collapsed, according to the country’s grid operator, leaving around 10 million people without power amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade, in Havana, Cuba March 16, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez
Officials said the outage did not appear to result from a major power plant failure but may involve transmission problems. Efforts to restore power have begun in small clusters or microsystems, a preliminary step toward bringing the full grid back online.
Trump Escalates Rhetoric Against Cuba
U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his threats against Cuba, stating he expected to have the “honor of taking Cuba in some form” and adding, “I can do anything I want with it.” He suggested that the island could be next following the U.S.-led removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
While Trump escalates his rhetoric, Cuba and the U.S. have opened talks aimed at resolving bilateral disputes. According to the New York Times, Washington has signaled that removing Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel is a key objective, though it is leaving the timing and approach to Cuban negotiators.
Cuba has insisted that negotiations must respect the sovereignty and self-determination of both nations, rejecting any interference in internal affairs as a potential deal-breaker.
Oil Shortages Worsen Crisis
Cuba has not received an oil shipment in three months, and only two small vessels have delivered fuel this year—one from Mexico in January and one from Jamaica in February carrying liquefied petroleum gas. Venezuela, Cuba’s main historic oil supplier, has sent no fuel since the U.S. captured Maduro in January.
People gather on a street during a blackout as Cuba’s national electric grid collapsed, according to the country’s grid operator, leaving around 10 million people without power amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade, in Havana, Cuba March 16, 2026. REUTERS/Norlys Perez
The blockade has forced severe energy rationing, causing extended outages and bringing much of the economy to a halt. Residents report adapting to the crisis: “We’re getting used to living like this,” said Havana resident Dayana Machin.
Earthquake Adds to Challenges
On Tuesday, Cuba was struck by a magnitude 6 earthquake at a depth of 15 km (9.3 miles), according to the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC), further compounding the challenges facing the island amid the energy crisis.
