Cuba hit by major blackout as fuel shortages worsen
Mar 5th 2026
A breakdown at a major power plant plunged large parts of Cuba into darkness as chronic fuel shortages and strained fuel shipments undermine the island's fragile electricity system.
- Officials said a breakdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant triggered a widespread outage affecting areas from Camagüey to Pinar del Río, including Havana.
- Millions were left without power as authorities worked to restore service, with no firm timetable for full recovery.
- Cuba relies heavily on imported fuel, leaving its fragile grid vulnerable to supply disruptions and maintenance problems.
- Shortages of aviation fuel have forced some airlines to suspend flights and reduced international tourism to the island.
- Prolonged blackouts have disrupted hospitals, dialysis patients, public transport and waste collection, compounding daily hardships for residents.