Cuba was plunged into another nationwide blackout late Sunday after the country’s electricity grid collapsed, according to the state-owned power utility.
The outage, announced through the utility’s official social media channels, marks the first nationwide blackout in August and follows three similar incidents recorded in July, as the Caribbean nation continues to battle a worsening energy crisis.
Authorities did not immediately provide details on the cause of the latest grid failure.
The island nation of about 10 million people has faced mounting challenges in securing fuel supplies amid continued US sanctions, placing further strain on its ageing electricity infrastructure.
Cuba has also struggled to import fuel following increased US pressure on its key allies. Venezuela, a major supplier, has faced tighter restrictions, while Mexico has reportedly suspended fuel exports to the island.
Frequent power outages have become increasingly difficult for residents, many of whom wake up during the night to cook, wash, access the internet or cool their homes whenever electricity is briefly restored, uncertain how long the supply will last.
As economic pressure mounts, the Cuban government has introduced a series of reforms aimed at easing the crisis.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz recently announced that authorities had approved the country’s first foreign investment venture to import and sell fuel. According to reports, nearly 200 businesses have also been authorised to engage in wholesale fuel distribution.
The government has further approved measures allowing greater private investment in the tourism sector, which has been severely affected by the withdrawal of major hotel operators following US sanctions and flight cancellations linked to fuel shortages.
Despite the reforms, officials acknowledged that meaningful improvements would take time.
“The results will be achieved gradually,” Marrero said. “Starting now, the most important, and perhaps the most difficult, stage begins.”
