Cuba is facing another wave of nationwide tension after worsening fuel shortages triggered fresh blackouts and rare public protests near the capital, Havana.
Several communities across eastern Cuba were thrown into darkness again on Thursday as the country’s power crisis deepened.
The situation became more alarming after the Cuban government confirmed that oil reserves supplied by Russia had completely run out.
Residents in parts of Havana and nearby communities have reportedly become increasingly frustrated over the prolonged electricity outages affecting daily life.
Meanwhile, dozens of angry residents reportedly protested on Wednesday in San Miguel del Padron, located on the outskirts of Havana.
The latest unrest highlights the growing pressure on the Cuban government as citizens continue struggling with unstable electricity supply and fuel scarcity.
According to officials, the country’s ageing energy infrastructure has also worsened the crisis.
Speaking during an interview on state television, Cuba’s Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy admitted that the country’s reserve supply had been exhausted.
“Oil reserves sent by Russia have now run out,” the minister stated.
He further blamed the worsening situation partly on the long-standing sanctions imposed by the United States.
“The impact of the blockade is indeed causing us significant harm… because we are still not receiving fuel,” he added.
Images circulating online showed families cooking with firewood outside their homes after electricity was cut for long hours.
In addition, businesses and public services across several regions have reportedly been affected by the unstable power supply.
Hospitals, small business owners, and transport operators are also facing increasing difficulties due to the repeated outages.
Furthermore, citizens have continued expressing concerns over the government’s ability to stabilise the energy sector anytime soon.
Although Cuba has faced electricity problems for years, many residents say the current situation feels worse than previous shortages.
The rare protests near Havana also reflect growing public frustration over the economic hardships affecting the country.
Russia had remained one of Cuba’s major energy partners before the recent shortage became public.
Despite the worsening situation, authorities insist efforts are ongoing to restore stability within the energy sector.
Nevertheless, many Cubans remain uncertain about when regular electricity supply will fully return.
For now, the blackouts continue disrupting homes, businesses, and public services across several parts of the country.
