BLACKOUT Chaos Grips Cuba

Cuba’s latest blackout-and-fuel nightmare shows what happens when a dictatorship’s failing system collides with hardball U.S. pressure that targets the regime’s lifeline: oil.

Story Snapshot

Cuba is facing its most severe energy emergency since the 1990s “Special Period,” with recurring blackouts and deep fuel shortages.
Venezuela stopped oil shipments in January 2026 after a U.S. operation captured Nicolás Maduro, and Mexico also halted exports in late January.
President Trump signed an executive order threatening tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, tightening the squeeze on imports.
Public transportation has stalled in many areas, and Air Canada suspended service as aviation fuel runs critically low.

Trump’s Tariff Threat Puts Cuba’s Oil Supply Chain Under a Spotlight

President Donald Trump’s new executive order threatens tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba, a move that shifts pressure from symbolic condemnation to a practical chokepoint: the fuel that keeps the island’s economy functioning. The strategy arrives as Cuba’s import options shrink, not expand. With the U.S. willing to penalize third parties, any would-be supplier must weigh Cuba shipments against access to U.S. markets.

Fuel has always been the regime’s lever over daily life, because electricity, food distribution, and transportation all depend on imports. Cuba produces only a portion of the oil it consumes, leaving the government dependent on outside partners. When that flow slows, the impact is immediate: the state’s ability to keep lights on, move workers, and maintain basic services deteriorates. That dependency is the vulnerability Trump’s approach is designed to exploit.

When Allies Pull Back, the Regime’s Fragility Becomes Visible

Cuba’s crisis worsened after two key sources of support weakened at nearly the same time. Venezuela—long a critical supplier—halted oil shipments in January 2026 following a U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Mexico also stopped oil exports to Cuba in late January. Those changes matter because Havana has relied on friendly governments to cushion its chronic inability to finance reliable energy supplies.

Even as Cuba’s leaders blame outside “persecution,” the record shows internal vulnerabilities compounding the shock. The country’s power system has suffered repeated breakdowns, including major problems at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, and officials have cited fuel shortages alongside deteriorating infrastructure and demand pressures. That combination—import dependence plus aging machinery—means a supply disruption doesn’t just pinch. It can cascade into systemwide failure.

Blackouts and Empty Buses Turn a Geopolitical Fight Into Daily Hardship

By early February 2026, Cubans were reporting a breakdown in daily mobility as buses stopped running in many places and routes were cut in parts of the country. Long lines for gasoline persisted where supplies remained. For working-class residents, the numbers are punishing: reported taxi fares of $20 or more collide with state salaries averaging under $20 a month for many workers, turning a commute into an impossible expense.

Electricity shortages have also disrupted schools and public institutions. The University of Havana cancelled some events and shifted some activities to remote learning because of energy deficits. Hospitals and clinics face risks when power cuts are frequent, because consistent electricity is essential for refrigeration, equipment, and basic operations. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel warned citizens to prepare for more sacrifice, arguing that fuel scarcity affects everything from food production to tourism.

Few Flights: Aviation Fuel Shortages Add Another Pressure Point

Cuba’s aviation sector is now feeling the same squeeze. Air Canada suspended service to Cuba due to aviation fuel shortages, a notable signal because airlines generally avoid cancellations unless the operational obstacles are real and persistent. A reduction in flights doesn’t just frustrate travelers; it cuts into tourism revenue and limits mobility for families. In a system short on cash, losing air service can accelerate the broader economic slide.

Mexico has confirmed a shipment of roughly 500,000 barrels of oil and technicians to assist, and the United States announced $6 million in aid. Those moves may provide partial relief, but neither changes the underlying reality: Cuba’s grid and transport system remain exposed to external supply disruptions and internal decay. Limited public data makes it hard to quantify how long current reserves will last, but the trendline described by multiple reports points to tightening constraints.