Protests Erupt in Havana as Cuba Exhausts Diesel and Fuel Oil Supplies
Havana is experiencing rolling blackouts after Cuba reported it has completely run out of diesel and fuel oil. Residents gathered in streets around fires to protest power cuts that have left neighborhoods without electricity for hours each day. The energy minister said the shortages stem from a longstanding US blockade that has intensified pressure on the island.
citizen.co.zaCuba has run out of diesel and fuel oil, its energy minister said, triggering rolling blackouts across Havana. Residents responded by gathering around fires in the streets to protest the power cuts, which have left many neighborhoods without electricity for hours each day.
The shortages come amid a longstanding US blockade that officials said has pushed the island toward a severe energy crisis. The US has increased pressure on Cuba since January, when it seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Officials have threatened to impose tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba and have cut off Venezuelan oil shipments to the island.
In March the US leader stated he expected to have the honour of taking Cuba.
The complete exhaustion of diesel and fuel oil stocks has halted normal operations in the capital. Power outages now occur on a rolling basis, affecting daily life and essential services in multiple districts. Protesters remained in the streets late into the night, using open fires for light and warmth.
The demonstrations reflect growing frustration with the frequency and duration of the blackouts.
Cuba has faced chronic energy shortages for years, but the current situation marks a new low with the reported depletion of both diesel and fuel oil reserves. The energy minister's statement confirmed the country holds no remaining stocks of either fuel.
The US measures targeting Venezuelan oil flows have directly limited Cuba's supply lines. Venezuelan shipments had previously helped offset domestic shortages before the intensified enforcement.
