HAVANA, March 5, (V7N) – Two-thirds of Cuba, including Havana, experienced a power blackout Wednesday due to a grid failure at the Antonio Guiteras power plant, one of the country’s largest, the national electric company UNE reported. The outage struck shortly after noon, affecting the center and western regions of the island.

Cuba’s power system is already fragile, with daily outages of up to 20 hours in some areas due to chronic fuel shortages. The energy crisis worsened after the January 3 ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba’s main fuel supplier. Although the US eased its embargo slightly, oil shipments remain uncertain under the Trump administration, which continues to exert strict pressure on Havana.

Authorities have implemented rationing measures, including diesel and gasoline restrictions, cuts to hospital services, reductions in public transport, and mandatory teleworking. Residents are struggling with spoiled food and disrupted daily routines. Damian Salvador, a Havana father, described Wednesday’s outage as “the final blow” for families already burdened by shortages.

The crisis has also affected international travel. Air France announced a suspension of flights to Havana due to jet fuel scarcity, following other airlines that halted operations in recent weeks.

Diplomatically, Cuba is facing tensions with Ecuador, which expelled Havana’s ambassador, Basilo Gutierrez, giving him and embassy staff 48 hours to leave. Ecuadoran President Daniel Noboa, a known ally of Trump, has not specified a reason for the expulsion.

The situation underscores the ongoing impact of long-standing US sanctions and regional geopolitics on everyday life in Cuba, affecting energy, healthcare, transport, and international relations.

END/WD/RH/