Cuba Open to Reviewing $100 Million US Aid Proposal Amid Blackouts and Protests

Cuba said it was open to reviewing a $100 million US aid proposal on Thursday as the island nation faced worsening power outages and protests in the capital. Eastern Cuba experienced electricity shutdowns on May 14, 2026, while residents protested against power outages in neighborhoods around Havana.

The communist government reported that oil reserves had run out. The US Secretary of State offered the aid on May 13 on the condition that the Catholic Church distribute it instead of the Cuban government. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said on X that officials were ready to hear the details of the proposal and how it would be implemented.

The island's energy situation worsened in January when the United States imposed an oil blockade. Since then, only one Russian tanker has reached Cuba, which has a population of 9.6 million and faces economic stagnation and supply shortages. Oil reserves sent by Russia have now run out, the Energy Minister told state television, describing the situation as very tense.

Officials said the heat continues to rise and the impact of the blockade is causing significant harm because fuel deliveries have not resumed. Cubans have endured seven nationwide blackouts since 2024. Fuel prices have soared, with data compiled by Agence France-Presse showing prolonged blackouts and record generation shortfalls in recent days.

On Tuesday, 65 percent of Cuban territory endured simultaneous blackouts. Outages of more than 19 hours a day have affected Havana, while several provinces experienced blackouts lasting entire days. Cuba's electricity generation relies on a network of eight aging thermoelectric plants, some operating for more than 40 years.

These facilities suffer frequent breakdowns and require regular maintenance shutdowns. The government has blamed a US-imposed blockade for the energy shortages. Protests continued in parts of Havana on May 13 as residents set up barricades.