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Cuba's Energy Crisis Deepens: 3.4 Million Without Power

2/5/2026

29 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Republic of Cuba's energy crisis deepened after a substation failure in Holguín on February 4, leaving 3.4 million people without power.
The outage highlights dwindling oil reserves, now estimated at 15-20 days.
Venezuela's oil supply has ceased.
Mexico has reduced shipments due to U.S. pressure.
Economists warn the economy, which has contracted by 15% since 2020, could collapse without oil.

History

Historical Context

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 drastically reduced oil supplies to Cuba, leading to a 35% contraction in its economy and severe energy shortages. This period, known as the "Special Period," forced Cuba to adapt through organic agriculture and alternative transport. Today, Cuba faces a similar energy crisis, worsened by halted oil shipments from Venezuela, threatening its economic stability once again.

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Story summary

Republic of Cuba's energy crisis deepened after a substation failure in Holguín on February 4, leaving 3.4 million people without power.
The outage highlights dwindling oil reserves, now estimated at 15-20 days.
Venezuela's oil supply has ceased.
Mexico has reduced shipments due to U.S. pressure.
Economists warn the economy, which has contracted by 15% since 2020, could collapse without oil.

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