Cubans struggle to make ends meet amid blackouts and fuel shortages
France 24
by FRANCE24February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Cubans face significant challenges as they grapple with frequent blackouts and fuel shortages, which have disrupted daily life and economic activities across the country. These power outages, exacerbated by decades of underinvestment in infrastructure and U.S. sanctions, have left citizens struggling to access basic necessities like electricity and transportation. The government has attempted to implement measures such as rationing and extending daylight saving time to conserve energy, but these efforts have done little to alleviate the strain on resources.
The shortages are deeply rooted in Cuba's economic struggles, including limited oil production and reliance on imported fuel. U.S. sanctions have further complicated the situation by restricting access to refined petroleum products, forcing Cuba to rely on inefficient local refineries. This has led to a cycle of power cuts that affect everything from healthcare facilities to food distribution systems.
For ordinary Cubans, the impact is stark. Many families find themselves in the dark for hours or even days at a time, making it difficult to cook meals, work, or study. Businesses have been forced to close early or operate irregularly, leading to job losses and reduced income. Despite government efforts to promote energy conservation, the lack of reliable fuel supplies continues to hinder progress.
This crisis underscores the broader challenges facing Cuba's economy and its relationship with the outside world. It also highlights the vulnerabilities of nations reliant
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/25/2026