Cuba’s power crisis deepens as Havana residents voice frustration
FRANCE 24 reports that intermittent supply has left many with just two hours of power a day, sparking public discontent despite government announcements.
Cuba is grappling with a severe and deepening power and fuel crisis, with residents in Havana reporting that electricity and fuel are being rationed to a trickle. According to a report by FRANCE 24, the situation has left the country’s poorest citizens struggling to cope, with many households accessing only around two hours of electricity each day.
The crisis is described as being exacerbated by a US oil blockade launched earlier this year. Under significant pressure from the Trump administration, the Cuban government has announced a sweeping package of economic reforms. However, the island remains effectively running on empty, with the announced measures failing to restore reliable energy supplies to the population.
Public frustration is mounting as the intermittent nature of the power supply continues. One Havana resident told FRANCE 24 that people are speaking out because they can no longer endure the conditions. The resident described the erratic power cuts as abusive, stating, "They turn it on then cut it again."
The report indicates that residents are increasingly turning against their own government in response to the deteriorating infrastructure. The combination of fuel shortages and unreliable electricity has created a volatile environment, with citizens expressing direct criticism of how the crisis is being managed.
While the government has moved to announce economic reforms under external pressure, the immediate reality on the ground remains one of severe rationing. The disconnect between policy announcements and the daily experience of Havana’s residents highlights the depth of the energy emergency facing the island nation.
