Story perspectives

Cuba's Energy Crisis Deepens Amid U.S. Oil Blockade

2/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cuba faces an energy crisis as the U.S. oil blockade halts imports from Venezuela and Mexico, causing blackouts and shortages.
The shortages cause food and medicine scarcities and lead to cancellation of the annual cigar festival.
Forty-four of Havana's 106 garbage trucks remain operable, allowing waste to accumulate and risking public health.
Canada and Mexico consider aid; the United States keeps sanctions and the crisis echoes the 1990s Special Period.

History

Historical Context

The Special Period in Cuba began in 1991 after the Soviet Union's collapse, leading to a 35% drop in GDP and severe shortages of food and medicine. This economic crisis forced Cuba to adapt, introducing organic agriculture and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Today, ongoing energy shortages, worsened by U.S. sanctions and reduced oil imports, echo the hardships of the 1990s, threatening public health and stability.

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Story summary

Cuba faces an energy crisis as the U.S. oil blockade halts imports from Venezuela and Mexico, causing blackouts and shortages.
The shortages cause food and medicine scarcities and lead to cancellation of the annual cigar festival.
Forty-four of Havana's 106 garbage trucks remain operable, allowing waste to accumulate and risking public health.
Canada and Mexico consider aid; the United States keeps sanctions and the crisis echoes the 1990s Special Period.

1 / 2