Cuba’s energy crisis to worsen as donated Russian oil runs out, minister warns

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🗞️ Driving the news: Cuba’s energy minister warned that the country’s electricity crisis is set to worsen after a donated shipment of Russian oil ran out, leaving the island with critically low fuel reserves and intensifying nationwide blackouts

🔭 The context: Cuba has faced severe energy shortages following tighter U.S. pressure on Venezuela and expanded sanctions from the Trump administration
• Officials say the island has effectively been cut off from oil shipments for over four months, aside from one Russian donation delivered in March
• Blackouts now regularly last more than 20 hours per day in parts of the country, including Havana

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The crisis illustrates the geopolitical vulnerability of fossil fuel-dependent economies and the fragility of energy systems exposed to sanctions and supply disruptions
• Cuba is increasingly relying on solar infrastructure supported by China, but insufficient storage capacity and unstable generation limit its ability to replace oil-based electricity

⏭️ What’s next: The U.S. has offered Cuba $100 million in assistance tied to political and economic reforms, while Havana says lifting sanctions would provide a faster solution
• Meanwhile, energy shortages, social unrest and pressure on basic services are expected to intensify during the summer months

💬 One quote: “We have absolutely no diesel.” — Vicente de la O Levy, Cuba’s Minister of Energy and Mines

📈 One stat: Blackouts in Havana now reportedly exceed 20 to 22 hours per day

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