Dhaka 19 September, 2026

Cuba Hit by Island-Wide Blackout amid Trump Oil Blockade

Deutsche Welle

Publish : 17 Mar 2026, 11:01 AM
Update : 17 Mar 2026, 11:09 AM
Cuba has faced numerous blackouts following an oil blockade by US President Donald Trump's administration [FILE: February 5, 2026]. Photo: AFP

The Cuban government on Monday announced that the Latin American island nation was subject to a nationwide blackout.

The Cuban Ministry for Energy and Mines said that there has been a "total disconnection" from the electricity grid.

"The causes are being investigated and protocols for restoration are beginning to be activated," the ministry posted on X.

Why is Cuba suffering blackouts?
Cuba has been suffering long blackouts as US President Donald Trump's administration blocks Venezuelan oil shipments to the island. Venezuela had been Cuba's top supplier of oil.

The US operation to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January was a significant blow to the Cuban government. Since then, Trump has backed acting President Delcy Rodriguez and oil deliveries to Cuba have been halted.

In addition, Trump has vowed to impose tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba. Mexico and Russia are two of Cuba's other oil suppliers.

On Friday, Cuba witnessed a violent demonstration amid power cuts and high food prices, with protesters ransacking a building belonging to the ruling Communist Party.

Cuba's president: Island hasn't received oil shipments in over three months
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said Friday that Cuba had not received oil shipments in three months, and that the country is reliant on solar power, natural gas and thermoelectric plants.

Diaz-Canel also said Cuba has held talks with the US regarding its energy and economic crisis.

image

Just days after the talks began, Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga told NBC News on Monday that Cuba plans to allow Cubans living abroad to invest and own businesses in Cuba.

This policy shift would include Cubans living in the United States.

Trump has previously suggested that regime change in Cuba could be next after the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.

The US president told journalists on Air Force One on Sunday that Cuba "wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or do whatever we have to do."

Follow google news channel to get RTV news Google News
Number of US Service Members Killed in Iran War Higher Than Pentagon's Published Figures
The number of US service members killed in the ongoing war with Iran in the Middle East is higher than the figures published by the Pentagon. According to The Washington Post, this information comes from six US officials with knowledge of the Department of Defense's internal casualty figures.
Number of US Service Members Killed in Iran War Higher Than Pentagon's Published Figures
Denmark Signs Security Deal with US Following Trump's Threats Over Greenland
Following his threats to take control of Greenland, US President Donald Trump has announced that a security agreement regarding the Arctic region has been reached with the leaders of Denmark and Greenland.
Denmark Signs Security Deal with US Following Trump's Threats Over Greenland
Trump Bans Three Popular News Outlets, Including CNN
US President Donald Trump has banned news channels CNN and MSNBC (MS Now), along with the news-based website Politico, from the White House. He announced the decision on Friday (September 18), accusing them of publishing "fake news" about his administration, according to a report by Anadolu.
Trump Bans Three Popular News Outlets, Including CNN
Death Toll Rises to 27 in Pakistan Mosque Suicide Bombing, TTP Claims Responsibility
At least 27 people were killed in a suicide car bombing followed by a gunfight at a mosque in northwest Pakistan. The dead include six civilians and 15 police officers, while dozens of others were injured, according to Al Jazeera.
Death Toll Rises to 27 in Pakistan Mosque Suicide Bombing, TTP Claims Responsibility
Dhaka Reviews 101 Agreements from Sheikh Hasina Era, India Responds
India has clarified its position regarding reports that Dhaka is reviewing 101 bilateral agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with the previous government led by Sheikh Hasina.
Dhaka Reviews 101 Agreements from Sheikh Hasina Era, India Responds
Read More
Denmark Signs Security Deal with US Following Trump's Threats Over Greenland
Trump Bans Three Popular News Outlets, Including CNN
Trump Threatens EU Over 'Hostile' Canada Association Plan
US First Time Acknowledges Deploying Weapons in Space