US EditionCuban officials report an island-wide blackout as country struggles with energy crisis
The blackout affected nearly all 11 million residents, worsened by a U.S. oil blockade halting shipments and Cuba producing only 40% of its fuel needs, officials said.
- On Monday, March 16, 2026, Cuba's national electric grid suffered a "complete disconnection," leaving roughly 10 million people without power as the Energy Ministry activated restoration protocols.
- President Donald Trump's January 29 executive order intensified a U.S. oil blockade, crippling fuel imports after the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in early January.
- Hospitals postponed tens of thousands of surgeries, while 64-year-old retiree Olga Suarez fears food spoilage. State-owned media reported 5% of Havana's residents, roughly 42,000 customers, had power restored by late Monday.
- Negotiations between Cuba and the U.S. are underway, President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez confirmed, though the government insists it will not discuss political system changes or sovereignty.
- Analysts warn that complete economic collapse could trigger a power vacuum and mass migration, while Trump claims Cuba is "very bad shape" and suggests he could "take" it.
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Fox 25 Oklahoma City
Cuba blackout deepens crises as US ramps up pressure
A nationwide blackout has added new challenges for Cuba’s government after its power grid collapsed.
Cuba’s president outlines nation’s response to U.S. energy blockade
At a press conference with Cuban reporters on March 13, President Miguel Díaz-Canel reviewed his government’s analyses, actions, and plans as Cuba copes with the recently-imposed U.S. oil blockade. President Donald Trump on Jan. 29 announced that tariffs would be applied to nations exporting oil to Cuba. Díaz-Canel’s press conference reflects adjustments and new realities showing up since his earlier one on Feb. 6. What follows is a selection of…
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What We Know About Cuba’s Power Grid Collapsing
Source: ADALBERTO ROQUE / Getty – People gather at the Malecon waterfront during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026. Cuba was plunged into a nationwide blackout on March 16, affecting the island’s roughly 11 million residents, as the country’s worsening energy and economic crises continue to strain an already fragile power grid. Cuba’s power went out on Monday, residents were warned to “take precautions.” On Monday, the U.S. Embassy in Havan…
In Cuba, there have been several nationwide power failures in recent months, some of which lasted for days. Even if the power grid has been functioning again since Tuesday evening, the supply situation remains critical.
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