Cuba National Power Grid Collapses Amid U.S. Oil Blockade

The national electricity grid of Cuba collapsed late Sunday, August 3, 2026, resulting in a total nationwide blackout. This follows a partial collapse on August 1 that left five provinces, including Havana, without power, as well as three nationwide outages throughout July. Union Electrica, the state-run utility, reported the total disconnection of the system and confirmed that protocols to reactivate the grid are underway.

Manuel Marrero Cruz, Prime Minister of Cuba, attributed the crisis to a combination of aging thermal power plants—many over 40 years old—and acute fuel shortages. The fuel crisis intensified following the January 3 ousting of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States and a subsequent oil blockade imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. These sanctions, combined with U.S. pressure that led Mexico to halt fuel exports, have hindered the import of diesel and repair equipment.

To mitigate the economic impact, the Cuban government has shifted toward free-market reforms. Marrero Cruz announced the approval of the first foreign investment venture for fuel imports and authorized nearly 200 businesses to engage in wholesale fuel distribution. Additionally, lawmakers have opened the tourism and electricity generation sectors to private investment to reduce reliance on state-controlled systems.