Cuba Faces Widespread Blackout Amid Ongoing Energy Crisis

An extensive blackout on Monday left Cuba shrouded in darkness. This blackout highlights the island’s ongoing energy crisis. Approximately 10 million people experienced the power outage. Eventually, electricity service resumed in some areas.

The state-run Electric Union reported a complete disconnection of the National Electric Power System. The cause of this disconnection is under investigation. Over recent years, Cuba has seen more frequent power outages. These outages stem from consistent fuel shortages and an aging electrical infrastructure. The situation worsened following additional sanctions imposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump in January.

“A total disconnection of the National Electric Power System is occurring,” Cuba’s state-run Electric Union said.

During the blackout, public transportation largely stalled, and tens of thousands of surgeries were canceled nationwide. The Associated Press noted this widespread impact. One generating unit resumed function two hours after the blackout began. The Electric Union stated micro-systems are operational countrywide to ensure vital services continue.

Cuba faces new challenges in securing fuel supplies. A Russian tanker was detected off the U.S. coast, reportedly delivering oil to Cuba. This comes amidst the ongoing U.S. ban. Officials accused the U.S. of exacerbating energy issues in Cuba. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy noted the protection of vital services amid the energy blockade.

“Vital services continue to be protected, amidst this complex situation exacerbated by the energy blockade we face,” said Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel criticized U.S. policies. He described the blockade as a “genocidal” measure. Díaz-Canel expressed concerns over the induced social pressure due to fuel access restrictions by the U.S.

“While the U.S. tries to induce a social explosion through asphyxiation by blocking fuel access to Cuba, the UNE mobilizes to reverse the SEN outage,” Díaz-Canel noted.

Events earlier this year further complicated the crisis. A U.S. military operation captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. This halted Venezuelan oil exports to Cuba, a vital fuel source. While Cuba produces only 40% of its fuel needs, a March delivery of 730,000 barrels of oil from Russia was depleted by April’s end.

Cuba’s government has implemented scheduled power outages to conserve fuel. These outages can exceed 24 consecutive hours. Earlier blackouts in March affected different regions of the island, demonstrating the persistent nature of the energy crisis.

Bonny Chu is a Breaking and Trending News Writer for Fox News Digital.