Protests Erupt Across Havana as Severe Blackouts Deepen Cuba’s Fuel Crisis

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets across Havana on Wednesday night as Cuba’s worsening energy crisis triggered some of the longest rolling blackouts the capital has experienced in decades.

Residents in several neighbourhoods blocked roads with burning rubbish, banged pots and pans from balconies and chanted slogans demanding the restoration of electricity. Reuters witnesses described multiple demonstrations across the city, marking the largest single night of protests since the current power crisis intensified earlier this year.

The unrest followed a stark warning from Cuba’s Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O, who said the country had completely exhausted its diesel and fuel oil reserves. Speaking on state media, the minister described the national power grid as being in a “critical” condition and acknowledged that the island had no remaining fuel reserves.

According to officials, many districts in Havana have been left without electricity for between 20 and 22 hours a day this week, adding to frustration over ongoing shortages of food, fuel and medicine. The government said the electricity network is currently operating only on domestic crude oil, natural gas and renewable energy sources.

Authorities said Cuba has expanded solar energy production in recent years, installing around 1,300 megawatts of solar capacity over the past two years. However, officials acknowledged that instability in the national grid and the lack of fuel have reduced the effectiveness of those systems.

The Cuban government blamed the worsening crisis partly on a US blockade targeting fuel imports, which has sharply reduced shipments to the island. Officials said rising oil and transportation costs linked to the conflict involving Iran have further complicated efforts to secure fuel supplies.

Neither Mexico nor Venezuela, previously among Cuba’s main fuel suppliers, has sent oil shipments since US President Donald Trump signed an executive order earlier this year threatening tariffs on countries exporting fuel to Cuba. Officials said only one major Russian tanker has delivered crude oil to the island since December.

The protests unfolded under a heavy police presence, although reports indicated that demonstrations remained largely peaceful. Videos circulating online showed crowds gathering in several Havana districts demanding electricity and basic supplies.

The energy crisis has severely disrupted public services across the island of nearly 10 million people, affecting transport, waste collection and healthcare systems. Last week, the United Nations criticised the US fuel blockade, arguing that it undermines access to food, healthcare, education and other essential services.