New Delhi, January 14, 2026, 11:03 p.m. IST
Cuba is facing its most severe energy crisis in decades after a sudden disruption in Venezuelan oil supplies pushed the country’s already fragile power system toward collapse. The crisis intensified following the United States’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3, 2026, which abruptly halted oil shipments that have long sustained Cuba’s electricity generation.
State utility Union Electrica (UNE) has reported near-continuous nationwide blackouts. Power deficits peaked at 1,786 megawatts on January 12 and are projected to reach 1,795 megawatts by January 14. For millions of Cubans, this has translated into electricity outages lasting up to 18 hours a day, affecting nearly every aspect of daily life.
U.S. President Donald Trump further escalated pressure on Havana with a January 11 post on Truth Social declaring that no oil or financial support would be allowed to reach Cuba. The message underscored Washington’s strategy of tightening economic pressure in pursuit of political concessions from the Cuban government.
Grid Failure Triggers Widespread Disruption
Cuba’s power grid is buckling under the strain of aging infrastructure and acute fuel shortages. Major thermoelectric plants, including Mariel, Felton, and Antonio Maceo, are currently offline. In addition, 96 distributed generation units have ceased operations due to lack of fuel, removing more than 1,000 megawatts from the system.
The impact is visible across the country. In rural areas, families have reverted to cooking with firewood. In major cities such as Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Holguin, transportation has stalled, refrigerated food is spoiling, and uncollected waste is raising public health concerns.
Economist Pavel Vidal, a former Cuban central bank official, warned that a complete halt in oil supplies could paralyze the economy. He compared the current situation to the “Special Period” of the 1990s, when the collapse of Soviet support led to widespread hunger, noting that this crisis is unfolding after six consecutive years of economic contraction.
Mexico Offers Limited Relief With U.S. Approval
Mexico has emerged as Cuba’s primary alternative oil supplier. In 2025, it accounted for 44 percent of Cuba’s crude imports, surpassing Venezuela’s 34 percent share. A recent delivery of 90,000 barrels of oil was presented by Mexican authorities as humanitarian assistance.
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed on January 12 that Washington has allowed these shipments to continue, citing concerns that a sudden collapse of the Cuban government could destabilize the region. The U.S. approach, according to officials, aims to maintain pressure while leaving room for negotiated political reforms.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that her government will not increase shipments beyond previous levels of roughly 19,200 barrels per day. This leaves a significant shortfall, as Venezuela previously supplied around 26,500 barrels daily.
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European Diplomats Warn of Escalating Crisis
Confidential assessments from European diplomats stationed in Havana describe the situation as a deepening energy emergency with far-reaching consequences. According to diplomatic cables reviewed by Bloomberg, the crisis threatens port operations, food security, and institutional stability, with Cuba described as poorly prepared for large-scale disruption.
Blackouts are already undermining key economic sectors, including nickel mining and tourism, both critical sources of foreign currency. With gross domestic product continuing to decline, diplomats view the collapse of Venezuela’s support as a potential precursor to a broader Cuban economic breakdown.
Havana Rejects External Pressure
President Miguel Díaz-Canel has dismissed U.S. demands, stating on X that Cuba will not accept directives from abroad and reaffirming the government’s resolve to defend its sovereignty. Officials in Havana place sole blame for the crisis on U.S. sanctions.
Cuba is seeking alternative fuel sources from Russia, China, and Iran, but officials acknowledge that reserves are rapidly diminishing. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez has condemned what he called U.S. hegemony and reiterated Cuba’s right to trade with any nation willing to supply fuel.
As of January 14, no oil shipments have departed from Venezuela, leaving Cuba’s energy future uncertain and intensifying one of the most serious challenges the island has faced since 1991.
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