Millions of Cubans are facing power outages after a major system failure, marking the sixth widespread blackout this year amid severe energy and essential goods shortages.
Foreign news agencies reported that millions of people in Cuba experienced another major blackout on Friday (18 Sep 2026 GMT+7), after the entire national power grid completely failed. The government is working urgently to resolve the issue and has managed to restore electricity to key locations.
The Ministry of Energy and UNE, Cuba’s electricity provider, stated the blackout occurred around 14:00 local time on Friday due to transmission system failures combined with severe weather conditions in the central part of the country.
This marks the sixth major blackout—partial or nationwide—this year. The primary causes of the system failure are aging electrical infrastructure coupled with chronic fuel shortages.
The government has begun gradually restoring electricity, starting with critical areas such as hospitals and water pumping stations in Havana.
Cuba relies heavily on imported fuel but faces strict oil delivery blockades from the Trump administration, including threats of punitive tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, and the U.S. seizing multiple oil tankers.
Originally, Venezuela supplied about 35,000 barrels of oil per day to Cuba, covering half of the country's needs. However, shipments stopped after Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was detained by the U.S. in January.
The Washington government claims Cuba’s energy crisis stems from internal mismanagement and views Cuba as a “national security threat.” Former President Trump mentioned overthrowing Cuba’s leadership or a negotiated takeover.
The electricity crisis has worsened shortages of food, medicine, running water, and cooking gas in Cuba. Hospitals are struggling to operate, while schools and government offices have had to close.
Residents in Havana say blackouts lasting over 24 hours have become normal, and the simultaneous shortages create severe stress on daily life, leading to protests against the recurring power outages.
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Source:bbc