Cuba’s power grid has totally collapsed, leaving around 11 million people in the dark.
The country depends heavily on oil for its electricity, and the ongoing U.S. embargo has intensified its energy crisis. As a result, the U.S. has halted oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba and has warned other nations against supplying the island with oil.
Efforts are being made to restore power, according to the state-run power company, but energy rationing has begun and many essential services have been halted.
“The effect of the blockade is astounding. It shows most brutally through these energy problems that are really hurting our people,” expressed Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel. He noted that they haven’t received any oil in about three months.
Carlos Fernández de Cossio, Cuba’s undersecretary for foreign affairs, remarked sarcastically that U.S. officials must be pleased with the suffering of Cuban families due to the power cuts.
The aging power infrastructure suffers from a lack of spare parts too, which is also worsened by the embargo.
In a somewhat controversial statement, a former U.S. president mentioned intentions to “occupy” Cuba, suggesting that it would be an honor to take control of the nation.
Protests have emerged against the Communist government, fueled by frustration over energy outages and food scarcity.
Díaz-Canel is slated to meet with the former president to discuss potential collaborative areas, and some speculate about an upcoming agreement that could allow private enterprises to function on the communist territory.
