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PoliticsCuba

Cuba faces most severe energy crisis in decades

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Elena Lehmann
June 13, 2026

Cuba is mired in a deepening energy crisis, driven by a US oil blockade and government mismanagement. Ordinary Cubans are struggling more and more to get by. Power outages in Havana last more than 20 hours a day.

Cuba is facing one of its most severe energy crises in decades, with fuel shortages triggering blackouts that can last more than 20 hours a day. The island relies heavily on imported fuel, while experts cite both US restrictions and government mismanagement as key causes.

Authorities are expanding solar power with foreign support, but high costs mean most Cubans still struggle to cope with daily outages and shortages.

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