Cuba has completely run out of diesel and fuel oil. This critical depletion has caused Havana to experience its worst rolling blackouts in decades. Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O confirmed the severe fuel shortage on Wednesday.
These widespread power cuts are a direct result of a US blockade on fuel imports. The blockade has significantly restricted the island’s access to necessary energy resources. Havana residents now face outages lasting 20 to 22 hours daily, exacerbating existing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
This situation highlights the vulnerability of small island nations to international sanctions and global energy market fluctuations. The US blockade, which began four months ago, has crippled public services for Cuba's nearly 10 million people. The United Nations last week described the fuel blockade as unlawful, asserting it obstructs the Cuban people’s right to development.
Minister de la O stated on state-run media, "We have absolutely no fuel (oil), and absolutely no diesel." He added that the national grid is in a "critical" state and has "no reserves." This confirms the severe impact of the sanctions on Cuba's energy infrastructure.
The immediate implication is continued disruption of daily life and economic activity across Cuba. The country's energy official noted that increasing global oil and transportation prices further complicate efforts to import fuel. Decision-makers must urgently seek alternative energy sources or negotiate an end to the blockade. The international community will watch how Cuba navigates this severe humanitarian and economic crisis.
Cuba’s national grid now operates entirely on domestic crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy. The country installed 1,300 megawatts of solar power over the past two years. However, grid instability due to fuel shortages reduces the efficiency and output of these renewable sources. Efforts to import fuel continue despite the blockade, with Minister de la O stating, "Cuba is open to anyone who wants to sell us fuel."
Neither Mexico nor Venezuela, once primary oil suppliers, have sent fuel to Cuba since January 2026. This follows a Trump executive order threatening tariffs on countries shipping fuel to Cuba. Only one large oil tanker, the Russian-flagged Anatoly Kolodkin, has delivered crude oil since December, offering temporary relief in April. The ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran further contributes to rising global oil prices, complicating Cuba's import negotiations.