Protests Erupt in Havana Amid Cuba's Worst Blackouts in Decades

Significant protests have erupted in Havana, Cuba, as the nation grapples with its most severe rolling blackouts in decades. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy admitted on state television that the country has absolutely no fuel or diesel reserves, leaving many districts without power for up to 22 hours daily. The crisis has intensified following the Trump administration's renewed blockade, including trade tariffs on oil-exporting nations and the recent US military capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, which halted critical petroleum shipments from South America. Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets, blocking roads with burning rubbish and banging pots to demand electricity. While police maintained a heavy presence, they largely observed the peaceful gatherings. The energy minister stated that ongoing negotiations for fuel imports are being complicated by the broader geopolitical conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran. Since January, Cuba's crumbling electric grid has faced increasing failures, exacerbated by these external pressures and internal generation deficits. Only one Russian-flagged tanker has delivered crude oil since December, highlighting the severity of the supply chain disruption.