Cuba’s power grid was partially restored on Sunday, officials said, a day after the country suffered its second nationwide blackout in a week amid an ongoing energy crisis exacerbated by fuel shortages and geopolitical tensions.
State utility data show that around two‑thirds of Havana had electricity by Sunday afternoon, with many homes, businesses and essential facilities like hospitals regaining supply after the grid collapsed late Saturday following a failure at a major thermoelectric plant.
Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz welcomed the efforts of utility workers who helped restore the National Electric System (SEN), but authorities warned that demand still outstrips available supply and widespread outages could continue in some areas.
The latest breakdown comes amid Cuba’s deep energy shortages. The island depends heavily on imported oil for power generation, and supplies have been severely disrupted in recent months after reduced fuel deliveries from key partners, including Venezuela. US sanctions and an effective oil blockade imposed by the United States have further tightened fuel access, intensifying pressure on Cuba’s fragile grid and economy.
Cuban leaders, including Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio, have stressed the seriousness of the crisis while maintaining willingness to continue diplomatic talks with Washington.
The persistent blackouts reflect broader strains in a system already weakened by aging infrastructure and chronic fuel scarcity, and millions of residents continue to face significant disruptions to daily life.
