Major Blackout Strikes Western Cuba Amid Oil Supply Crisis

On March 4, 2026, a significant blackout affected the western half of Cuba, leaving millions without power, including residents of Havana. The outage, confirmed by Cuba's national electricity union, Unión Eléctrica (UNE), impacted areas from the central province of Camagüey to Pinar del Río in the far west. This incident marks the second major blackout in the region within three months, highlighting ongoing challenges in Cuba's power infrastructure.

Millions left without power after major blackout hits Cuba's western regionThe GuardianThe Straits Times

Cuba has been grappling with a severe energy crisis exacerbated by dwindling oil reserves and external pressures. The island's power generation system is characterized by aging infrastructure and frequent failures, leading to hours-long rolling blackouts. The situation worsened after the United States curtailed oil shipments to Cuba, particularly following a U.S. military operation in early January that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This operation halted critical oil supplies from Venezuela, Cuba's primary oil supplier, which has not sent shipments since December 2025. Additionally, Mexico announced it would cease oil exports to Cuba after the U.S. threatened tariffs on countries supplying the island.

The GuardianThe Straits TimesMillions left without power after major blackout hits Cuba's western region

The UNE reported that crews were actively working to restore power, and recovery protocols were initiated at the Felton 1 thermoelectric power plant in Holguín province, which remained operational. The Cuban government has attributed its ongoing economic difficulties to decades of U.S. sanctions, which have significantly impacted its energy sector. In response to the crisis, the government has implemented strict fuel-saving measures, including warnings about jet fuel shortages at multiple airports.

The Straits Times

Critics argue that the Cuban government's reliance on external oil supplies has left the nation vulnerable to geopolitical tensions. The sanctions imposed by the U.S. have been cited as a primary factor in the country's economic struggles, leading to calls for a reassessment of both domestic energy policies and international relations.

The Straits Times

While the blackout's immediate cause remains unclear, sources consistently point to the broader context of oil supply disruptions and the aging power grid as contributing factors. There is a lack of detailed information regarding the specific technical failures that led to the blackout.

Millions left without power after major blackout hits Cuba's western region

• “The government’s Electric Union confirmed the outage on social platform X, saying it affected people from the eastern town of Pinar del Rio to the central town of Camaguey.” — Unión Eléctrica (UNE)

Millions left without power after major blackout hits Cuba's western region

• “Cuba’s government has attributed its economic crisis to decades of economic sanctions from the US.” — Cuban Government Official

The Guardian

• “The power cuts have caused the government to ration key services.” — Cuban Energy Ministry Official

The Guardian

This blackout underscores the critical intersection of energy supply, international relations, and domestic policy in Cuba, as the island continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.

The Guardian