By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Cuba is facing a deepening national emergency after government officials confirmed the country has virtually exhausted its diesel and fuel oil supply, leaving millions of residents struggling through massive blackouts and worsening shortages.
Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy revealed in a state media interview that Cuba no longer has reserves of fuel oil or diesel to sustain the country’s power system. He said the island is surviving mainly on limited gas production from domestic wells, while the national energy grid remains in a “critical” condition.
The shortage has plunged many areas of Havana into near-total darkness, with some communities enduring electricity outages lasting as long as 20 to 22 hours a day. The crisis has disrupted hospital operations, forced schools and public offices to suspend activities, and dealt another blow to Cuba’s already weakened tourism industry.
Officials blamed the situation on tightening US sanctions and restrictions affecting oil shipments to the island. Cuba has long depended on fuel imports from allies such as Venezuela and Mexico, but supplies reportedly dropped sharply after Washington threatened penalties on countries continuing to export fuel to Havana.
Public frustration erupted Wednesday night as hundreds of residents took to the streets in several parts of Havana. Protesters reportedly blocked roads using burning debris, banged pots and pans, and shouted anti-government slogans while demanding the restoration of electricity.
In San Miguel del Padrón and nearby districts, residents chanted “Turn on the lights!” as neighborhoods remained without power for most of the day.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel accused the United States of waging what he described as an “energy blockade” against the island, saying American policies had intensified the fuel shortage and pushed the country into a more dangerous economic situation.
Meanwhile, the United States renewed its offer of $100 million in humanitarian assistance, saying aid could be delivered through church and humanitarian organizations. Cuban authorities, however, have accused Washington of using the crisis for political pressure while continuing sanctions against the communist-led government.
As fuel reserves continue to dry up and unrest spreads across the capital, Cuba now faces one of its most serious economic and social crises in recent decades.
ia/xf
