Cuba is experiencing its third nationwide blackout in two weeks, exacerbating an ongoing energy crisis fueled by a U.S.oil embargo and dwindling fuel reserves.

The blackout, caused by a generating unit failure in Holguín province, left the entire country without power, with authorities activating protocols to restore electricity to critical infrastructure like hospitals.

Fuel shortages have persisted since January 2026, when President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba, deepening its economic and financial crisis.Public transportation has been halted, surgeries canceled, and daily life disrupted.

While some areas in Havana and other provinces regained limited power by afternoon, the blackouts have caused significant impacts, including reduced work hours, flight cancellations, and public health challenges.

Residents report adapting with solar backup systems and electric motorcycles, but the crisis underscores Cuba's reliance on foreign fuel imports, which remain unresolved.The situation highlights the broader consequences of the U.S.embargo on Cuba's energy grid and daily operations.