Western Cuba was hit by a widespread blackout on Wednesday, leaving millions without power in the island’s latest blackout as it struggles with dwindling oil supplies due to sanctions imposed by President Donald Trump.
The U.S. Embassy in Cuba said that at approximately 12:41 p.m. there was a “disconnection of the national electrical grid, resulting in a complete power outage” stretching from Camagüey to Pinar del Río, including the greater Havana metropolitan area.
“Cuba’s national electricity grid is becoming increasingly unstable and prolonged planned and unplanned power outages are occurring daily across the country, including in Havana,” the embassy said.
“Outages are affecting water supplies, lighting, cooling and communications. Take precautions by conserving fuel, water, food and cell phone costs, and be prepared for significant disruptions.”
Neya Perez, 86, paints the nails of her neighbor Reyna Maria Rodriguez, 77, during a massive power outage across most of the country, in Havana, Cuba, on March 4, 2026. (REUTERS/Norlys Perez)
The incident was reportedly caused by an unexpected shutdown of the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, about 100 kilometers east of Havana.
Local reports indicate the island may need at least three days to restore operations, according to the Associated Press.
Vicente de la O Levy, Cuba’s Minister of Energy and Mines, added: “We are working to restore SEN amid a complex energy situation.”
At least one power plant, Felton 1, remains online, he said.
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President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House on October 6, 2025 in Washington, DC (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Reuters reported that because Cuba is accustomed to frequent power outages caused by state-imposed energy rationing, some traffic lights and businesses remained operational thanks to solar panels or backup generators. Many residents have also installed solar panels on their homes and vehicles to keep electricity flowing amid rising fuel prices, the outlet reported.
Cuba has suffered a series of widespread power outages in recent years due to long-term problems with its aging energy infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages.
However, the situation worsened in January after a US military operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and halted Venezuelan oil exports, effectively choking Cuba’s main source of fuel.
FILE – Cuba President Miguel Diaz-Canel walks through the COP28 UN climate summit, Saturday, December 2, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)
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Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said in January that despite the US cutting Havana’s energy lifeline, his government would not negotiate a new deal with Washington.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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