Cuba, Havana: Cuba’s national electric grid collapsed on 21 March for the second time in a week, leaving millions without power as the island nation struggles with ageing infrastructure and a mounting fuel crisis. This latest nationwide failure follows a complete blackout earlier in the month, marking an unusually rapid series of system breakdowns.
State-owned utility Union Eléctrica reported a total disconnection of the National Electric Power System in the evening of 21 March, though officials began restoring power in parts of Havana and other areas by 22 March. Around half of the capital’s homes, businesses and hospitals had regained electricity, but many regions remained without service due to limited generation capacity and persistent diesel shortages.
Cuba has faced repeated major or total outages in recent years, but two complete grid failures within a week is uncommon. The energy crisis has been aggravated by a US oil blockade, which has sharply reduced fuel imports from long-time suppliers like Venezuela and Mexico, hindering the operation of thermal power plants and deepening shortages.
With global oil prices rising and sanctions restricting imports, Cuba’s ageing energy network continues to falter, disrupting daily life and essential services across the country. President Miguel Díaz‑Canel has condemned the blockade’s impact, while authorities work to secure fuel and stabilise the grid.
Source: Yahoo News
