US EditionCuban officials report an island-wide blackout as country struggles with energy crisis
The blackout affected nearly 11 million people due to a U.S. oil blockade and aging infrastructure, causing widespread disruptions and postponement of medical procedures.
- Cuba's national electric grid collapsed on March 16, 2026, causing a blackout that left around 10 million people without power amid a U.S.-imposed oil blockade that halted significant oil shipments to the island.
- The U.S. cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatened penalties or tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, contributing to the energy crisis and economic troubles.
- The Cuban government imposed strict electricity and gasoline rationing and turned to alternative energy sources such as natural gas, solar power, and domestic oil supplies, but these measures remain insufficient to meet demand.
- Cuba has begun talks with the U.S. to resolve bilateral differences and has announced steps to open its economy to private investment by Cuban Americans.
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Fox 25 Oklahoma City
Cuba blackout deepens crises as US ramps up pressure
A nationwide blackout has added new challenges for Cuba’s government after its power grid collapsed.
Cuba’s president outlines nation’s response to U.S. energy blockade
At a press conference with Cuban reporters on March 13, President Miguel Díaz-Canel reviewed his government’s analyses, actions, and plans as Cuba copes with the recently-imposed U.S. oil blockade. President Donald Trump on Jan. 29 announced that tariffs would be applied to nations exporting oil to Cuba. Díaz-Canel’s press conference reflects adjustments and new realities showing up since his earlier one on Feb. 6. What follows is a selection of…
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What We Know About Cuba’s Power Grid Collapsing
Source: ADALBERTO ROQUE / Getty – People gather at the Malecon waterfront during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026. Cuba was plunged into a nationwide blackout on March 16, affecting the island’s roughly 11 million residents, as the country’s worsening energy and economic crises continue to strain an already fragile power grid. Cuba’s power went out on Monday, residents were warned to “take precautions.” On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Havan…
In Cuba, there have been several nationwide power failures in recent months, some of which lasted for days. Even if the power grid has been functioning again since Tuesday evening, the supply situation remains critical.
Cuba, which acknowledged being in talks with Washington, made some announcements in that regard on Monday, such as allowing its diaspora to invest in multiple economic sectors, including banking, agriculture and infrastructure.
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