Millions of Cubans plunged into darkness as fuel crisis deepens

March 4, 2026

Cuba experienced a massive power outage on Wednesday affecting two-thirds of the island, including Havana, after an unexpected shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras power plant located east of the capital. The blackout is part of an ongoing energy crisis driven by severe fuel shortages that have been significantly worsened by US sanctions blocking oil shipments from Venezuela, which previously supplied about half of Cuba's oil needs. The fuel crisis has broader impacts beyond electricity, forcing airlines like Air France to suspend service due to aviation fuel shortages and disrupting essential services including hospitals, public transportation, and waste collection.

Who is affected

Millions of Cuban residents in two-thirds of the country, from Camaguey province to Pinar del Rio, including Havana
Hospital patients, particularly those in emergency wards and dialysis patients
International airlines operating to Cuba, specifically Air France and other carriers that have suspended services
International tourists attempting to visit Cuba
Workers and residents dependent on public transport and rubbish collection services
The Cuban national electricity company (UNE)

What action is being taken

The national electricity company is undertaking efforts to restore electrical services
Air France is halting services to Havana from the end of March until mid-June
The US is seizing oil shipments bound for Cuba

Why it matters

This energy crisis represents a severe humanitarian and economic challenge for Cuba, as extended power outages lasting up to 18 hours daily are disrupting critical infrastructure including healthcare facilities where emergency and dialysis patients are affected. The situation demonstrates how US economic sanctions, particularly the oil blockade following the capture of Venezuelan President Maduro, are having cascading effects throughout Cuban society by limiting the island's access to fuel needed for electricity generation, aviation, and basic services. The crisis threatens to further isolate Cuba internationally as airlines suspend service, reducing tourism revenue that the struggling communist nation depends upon economically.

What's next

Air France services to Havana will remain suspended through mid-June
President Trump has threatened tariffs on goods from any country that provides oil to Cuba

Read full article from source: BBC