Cuba Says It Has Run Out of Fuel as Blackouts Deepen
Cuba
NORLYS PEREZ/Reuters
What Happened
Why It Matters
What Happened
Why It Matters
Where Sources Agree
- arrows_inputCuba Fuel Depletion: Coverage confirms Cuba has completely run out of diesel and fuel oil, leaving its energy grid in a critical state, according to Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O Levy.
- arrows_inputBlackouts Fuel Havana Protests: Coverage highlights blackouts extending beyond 20-22 hours daily across Havana, prompting widespread protests by residents banging pots and pans, framing it as a direct result of critical fuel shortages, according to multiple reports.
- arrows_inputUS January Oil Blockade: Outlets concur on the US imposing an oil blockade on Cuba in January, which the Cuban government describes as a "genocidal energy blockade" and the UN calls unlawful.
Where Sources Disagree
- arrows_outputCuba Aid Offer: US officials state Cuba refused a $100 million aid offer due to its corrupt regime. However, Cuban officials deny knowledge of the offer, calling it a 'fable' while expressing openness to discussing details.
- arrows_outputFuel Crisis Attribution: Cuban government officials blame the nation's severe fuel crisis on a 'genocidal energy blockade' and sanctions by the US. Conversely, US officials and some sources attribute the crisis to Cuba's corrupt regime and mismanagement.
- arrows_outputProtest Characterization: Protesters express frustration over blackouts and food spoilage, denying political motives. However, some outlets characterize these demonstrations as anti-government sentiment linked to calls for political change.
Timeline
May 14, 2026
Grid collapse and international fallout: By May 14, Cuba's grid suffered a major partial collapse that plunged eastern provinces into blackout, forcing service cutbacks (including hospitals and schools) while the UN called the blockade unlawful and the U.S. renewed a $100 million aid offer amid debate over its acceptance.
May 13, 2026
Minister: Cuba has run out of fuel: On May 13, Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy announced Cuba had completely run out of diesel and fuel oil, calling the grid 'critical' as widespread protests erupted in Havana with residents banging pots, setting barricades and demanding electricity be restored.
May 2026
Oil donation exhausted, blackouts worsen: Cuban officials said the Russian donation was used up in early May, after which blackouts intensified across the island—many areas, including Havana, began enduring 20–22 hours without power and simultaneous outages affected large swathes of territory.
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Timeline
May 14, 2026
Grid collapse and international fallout: By May 14, Cuba's grid suffered a major partial collapse that plunged eastern provinces into blackout, forcing service cutbacks (including hospitals and schools) while the UN called the blockade unlawful and the U.S. renewed a $100 million aid offer amid debate over its acceptance.
May 13, 2026
Minister: Cuba has run out of fuel: On May 13, Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy announced Cuba had completely run out of diesel and fuel oil, calling the grid 'critical' as widespread protests erupted in Havana with residents banging pots, setting barricades and demanding electricity be restored.
May 2026
Oil donation exhausted, blackouts worsen: Cuban officials said the Russian donation was used up in early May, after which blackouts intensified across the island—many areas, including Havana, began enduring 20–22 hours without power and simultaneous outages affected large swathes of territory.
