Cuba has completely run out of diesel and fuel oil, according to the country’s energy minister, as severe power blackouts and fuel shortages continue to impact daily life across the island.
Havana: Cuba’s Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy has confirmed that the country has exhausted its reserves of diesel and fuel oil, pushing the national power grid into what officials described as a “critical” state.
The announcement comes amid worsening blackouts and a prolonged fuel crisis affecting the Caribbean island nation.
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Authorities said several neighbourhoods in Havana have been facing electricity cuts lasting up to 20 to 22 hours a day. The shortages have disrupted daily life and added pressure to a population already dealing with shortages of food, medicine and transportation.
Government blames US fuel blockade
Cuban officials linked the crisis to the ongoing US fuel blockade and sanctions that have severely restricted fuel imports into the country. Since January 2026, measures introduced by US President Donald Trump have reportedly discouraged countries from supplying oil to Cuba by threatening tariffs and economic penalties.
Mexico and Venezuela, previously among Cuba’s largest fuel suppliers, have significantly reduced or stopped shipments to the island in recent months. Reports indicate that only one major Russian oil tanker has delivered crude oil to Cuba since December, offering temporary relief earlier this year.
Renewable energy unable to fully compensate
The Cuban government stated that the national grid is currently relying on domestic crude oil, natural gas and renewable energy sources. Although Cuba has expanded its solar energy capacity over the past two years, officials said grid instability and fuel shortages have limited overall efficiency. Public services and economy under pressure
The energy crisis has affected transport services, healthcare facilities, tourism operations and waste collection systems across the country. Human rights experts from the United Nations recently criticised the US measures, warning that they were worsening humanitarian conditions and impacting access to essential services. Cuba says it remains open to fuel imports
Despite the crisis, Cuban officials said the country continues negotiations with international suppliers and remains willing to purchase fuel from any country prepared to sell it. However, rising global oil prices and geopolitical tensions have complicated those efforts further.
Published: 14 May 2026, 09:15 am IST
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