Monday, February 9, 2026- Cuba’s 11 million residents are facing severe disruptions to daily life as a deepening energy and fuel crisis grips the island, with authorities and analysts linking the situation to tightened US pressure on oil supplies. The government has imposed emergency measures to cope with widespread rolling blackouts that have left large parts of the country without reliable electricity for hours each day, straining hospitals, transportation, water treatment, and food preservation. The shortage of fuel has also grounded international flights, further isolating the nation. These energy constraints have driven Cubans to rely on alternatives like charcoal for cooking and have forced rationing of resources across multiple sectors.
The crisis extends beyond power outages. Food security is deteriorating as shortages and rising costs hit households already struggling with limited supplies and long lines for basic staples. Cuba imports a large portion of its food, but barriers to shipping, financing, and fuel for transport have made it harder to keep shelves stocked and food affordable, worsening hunger and frustration among ordinary citizens. Human rights observers have noted that the combination of prolonged blackouts, lack of refrigeration, and fuel shortages undermines agricultural production and distribution, exacerbating food insecurity.
The humanitarian impact has drawn international attention, with warnings of potential collapse if fuel needs remain unmet. Officials and analysts have highlighted how persistent outages and shortages not only disrupt economic activity but also affect public health, sanitation, and everyday survival. Amid these pressures, Cuba’s government has sought to increase domestic energy capacity and appealed for fuel imports, even as geopolitical tensions with the United States remain a central factor in the crisis.
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