Cuba suffers 3rd countrywide blackout this month amid U.S. oil blockade
Posted on: Mar 22, 2026 06:34 IST | Posted by: Cbc
Cuba's force storage-battery grid collapsed sat leaving the rural area without electrical energy for a third time in March as the communist government battles with a decaying infrastructure and a U.S.-imposed oil blockade.
The state-owned Cuban Electric Union reported a total blackout across the island without giving a cause for the outage.
Authorities said they were working to restore power.
Power outages, whether nationwide or regional, have become relatively common in the last two years due to breakdowns in the aging infrastructure. The breakdowns are compounded by daily blackouts of up to 12 hours caused by fuel shortages, which also destabilize the system.
The last nationwide blackout occurred on Monday. Saturday's outage was the second in the past week and the third in March.
Hospitals under strain in Cuba amid U.S. Oil blockade
The blackouts have a significant impact on the population, whose lives are disrupted by reduced work hours, lack of electricity for cooking, and food spoilage when refrigerators stop working, among many other consequences.
President Miguel Diaz-Canel has said the island has not received oil from foreign suppliers for three months. Cuba produces barely 40 per cent of the fuel it needs to power its economy.
Cuba's aging grid has drastically eroded in recent years. But the government also has blamed its woes on a U.S. Energy blockade after U.S. President Donald Trump in January warned of tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba.
The Trump administration is demanding that Cuba release political prisoners and move toward political and economic liberalization in return for a lifting of sanctions. Trump also has raised the possibility of a "friendly takeover of Cuba."
Cuba's Ministry of Energy and Mines said Saturday a total disconnection of the National Electric System took place, according to a statement posted on social media Saturday.
The ministry says protocols to restore electricity service across the country were being implemented.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.