Story perspectives

Cuba Protests Blackouts as UN Rules US Fuel Blockade Unlawful

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hundreds gathered in Havana on May 13, chanting “Turn on the lights!” during 22-hour blackouts.
Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy said Cuba exhausted diesel and fuel-oil supplies.
UNE reported a grid collapse in eastern Cuba on Thursday that cut power to Santiago de Cuba, with services restored by midday.
The United Nations declared the U.S. fuel blockade unlawful after Cuba received tanker since December, after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs.

History

Historical Context

The 1991 Special Period began when the Soviet Union collapsed, slashing Cuba’s oil imports from 1.2 million to 200,000 barrels a day—an 80 % drop that crippled industry. Decades of reliance on imported fuel left Havana vulnerable, and the 2026 U.S. oil blockade has again depleted diesel, prompting Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy to warn of rolling blackouts.

1 of 2

Story summary

Hundreds gathered in Havana on May 13, chanting “Turn on the lights!” during 22-hour blackouts.
Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy said Cuba exhausted diesel and fuel-oil supplies.
UNE reported a grid collapse in eastern Cuba on Thursday that cut power to Santiago de Cuba, with services restored by midday.
The United Nations declared the U.S. fuel blockade unlawful after Cuba received tanker since December, after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs.

1 / 2