Cuba: Cuba’s already severe energy crisis is set to worsen after a donated shipment of Russian oil was fully used up, according to the country’s energy minister.
Speaking in a televised address, Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O Levy confirmed that the oil delivered by Russia in late March has now been exhausted. He said the situation is becoming increasingly critical as demand rises during the island’s hot summer period.
He warned that fuel reserves needed to keep the country’s struggling power system running are almost completely depleted. “We have absolutely no diesel,” he stated, adding that conditions are becoming “very tense”.
In recent days, small groups of Cubans have protested in the streets, often at night, by banging pots and pans in response to prolonged power cuts.
The minister said electricity shortages have become so severe that in Havana blackouts now last around 20 to 22 hours a day. Many residents are left without enough power for basic needs, including charging phones and electric mopeds, while some are forced to wake during short periods of electricity supply to cook or do laundry.
He also noted that while solar energy use is increasing thanks to panels donated by China, output remains inconsistent due to weather conditions. Without battery storage, solar power cannot support demand during night-time peak hours.
Cuban officials said oil imports have been largely blocked for months, aside from the single Russian shipment, which has now been consumed.
The situation comes amid heightened political tensions, with the US maintaining pressure on Cuba and calling for reforms in exchange for sanctions relief. A US State Department statement offered $100 M in aid, which Cuba said it was willing to consider, though details remain unclear.
Cuban leaders insisted the crisis could be eased more quickly by lifting restrictions, while continuing to reject external pressure for political change.
Source: CNN
