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Cuba experiences an unprecedented energy crisis as the population reacts to blackouts and diesel shortages.
The government of Cuba reported on Wednesday (13th) that the country is without reserves of diesel and fuel, a situation that has further aggravated the energy crisis faced by the island. According to g1, the statement was made by the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O, amidst a series of blackouts affecting Havana at levels considered the most severe in recent decades.
According to the minister, the national electrical system operates in a critical condition. “We have absolutely no fuel and absolutely no diesel,” he stated through state media. At another point, he reinforced the severity of the scenario by declaring that the country also has no available energy reserves.
Protests in Cuba occurred after the official statement
Shortly after the government’s announcement, Havana residents took to the streets to protest against the frequent power cuts.
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According to a report cited by the Reuters agency, protesters blocked roads using piles of burning trash. Additionally, groups banged pots and chanted phrases like:
“Turn on the lights!” and “the people united will never be defeated!”
The protests occurred in the Cuban capital while neighborhoods faced rotating power supply interruptions.
Cuba faces difficulties amid the US blockade
The fuel shortage occurs in a context of economic restrictions faced by Cuba due to the blockade maintained by the United States.
Meanwhile, the US government announced a humanitarian aid proposal aimed at the Cuban population.
According to an official statement from the US Department of State, the planned assistance totals US$ 100 million. The text states that the resources would be distributed in partnership with the Catholic Church and independent humanitarian organizations.
US government demands decision from Cuban authorities
In the note released by the US authorities, the United States government stated that it is up to the Cuban regime to decide whether to accept the offer.
The statement declared that refusing the aid could result in accountability before the country’s population.
Additionally, the text mentioned statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to the document, the US had already made other private proposals involving:
- humanitarian assistance;
- free and high-speed satellite internet.
Trump’s statements increased the crisis’s impact
On Tuesday (12), the President of the United States, Donald Trump, commented on the Cuban situation.
According to Trump, Cuba was “asking for help.” He also stated that his administration intended to “talk” with the Caribbean island.
During his speech, the American president also labeled the country as “failed.”
The statements of Minister Vicente de la O reinforced the magnitude of the energy crisis currently faced by the country.
Without fuel and with no available reserves, Cuba is struggling to maintain the operation of the national electrical system.
With information from g1
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