Energy Crisis in Cuba
Cuba has exhausted its supplies of diesel and fuel oil, according to the country's Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy.
In an interview with state-run media, de la O Levy reported that while limited quantities of gas remain available, Cuba's energy infrastructure is in a "critical" condition due to a US-led blockade restricting oil imports.
Protests and Power Outages
reported that scattered protests against power outages occurred in Havana on Wednesday. The US reiterated its offer to provide $100 million (£74 million) in aid to Cuba, conditional on "meaningful reforms to Cuba's communist system."
"The sum of the different types of fuel: crude oil, fuel oil, of which we have absolutely none; diesel, of which we have absolutely none - I am being repetitive - the only thing we have is gas from our wells, where production has grown," de la O Levy said.
He further explained that under the US blockade, some areas of Havana have experienced blackouts lasting between 20 to 22 hours daily.
He also acknowledged that the situation in the country had been "extremely tense".
Impact on Public Services and Economy
The energy shortage has severely affected hospitals, which have been unable to operate normally. Schools and government offices have also been compelled to close. Additionally, tourism, a vital sector for Cuba's economy, has suffered significant setbacks.
Supply Chain Disruptions
Cuba typically depends on Venezuela and Mexico for oil supplies to its refinery system. However, these countries have largely ceased shipments following US President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs against nations supplying fuel to Cuba.
Last week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that Havana had declined a US humanitarian aid offer worth $100 million (£74 million), a statement Cuba denied.
The US State Department reiterated the offer on Wednesday, stating that the humanitarian assistance would be coordinated with the Catholic Church and "reliable" humanitarian organizations.
"The decision rests with the Cuban regime to accept our offer of assistance or deny critical living-saving aid and ultimately be accountable to the Cuban people for standing in the way of critical assistance."
Sanctions and International Response
The US intensified its blockade in early May by imposing sanctions on senior Cuban officials, accusing them of "human rights abuses."
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the sanctions as "illegal and abusive."
