Cuba suffers nationwide blackout after electrical grid collapse

Cuba experienced a total blackout on Friday after its national electrical grid collapsed, leaving the island without power for an indeterminate period. The outage marks the latest in a series of at least six partial or complete grid failures recorded since the start of the year, underscoring a growing vulnerability in the country’s energy infrastructure.

Officials attribute the recurring failures to chronic fuel shortages exacerbated by the United States’ ongoing fuel blockade, which restricts the import of petroleum products essential for power generation. The repeated disruptions have strained hospitals, transportation networks, and commercial activities, prompting government agencies to seek emergency measures and explore alternative energy sources. As authorities work to restore service, the blackout highlights the broader challenges Cuba faces in maintaining a stable electricity supply amid external economic pressures.