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Cuba experienced a nationwide blackout on Friday, leaving millions of residents without electricity. According to the Cuban Ministry of Energy and Mines, the grid collapse was initiated by a transmission-line failure in the western region of the country, an issue exacerbated by unstable weather conditions.
This incident marks at least the sixth major power outage in Cuba since the beginning of the year. The nation’s electrical infrastructure relies heavily on aging oil-fired power plants that require frequent maintenance. Officials reported that restoration protocols were activated immediately, with power returning to some parts of the island by Saturday.
The country has faced worsening fuel shortages amid tightened United States restrictions on oil shipments. These supply constraints have been compounded by a long-standing US embargo and recent sanctions, including measures targeting Cuba’s nickel sector announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday. Previous sanctions were imposed on the state oil company, CUPET, in June.
US President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency regarding Cuba, implementing policies to block oil shipments and threatening tariffs against nations that continue to supply the island. The fuel shortages have impacted various sectors, including transportation, water supplies, and healthcare.
In June, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed concern regarding the impact of these sanctions on the Cuban population. Turk stated that the broad economic measures are incompatible with international human rights law and noted that the lack of essential medical supplies has negatively affected the country’s healthcare system.
While the US has increased economic pressure, other nations, including Russia, China, and Mexico, have provided humanitarian assistance. Russia delivered approximately 700,000 barrels of oil to the island in late March.
Article source: www.trinidadtimes.com | Image credit: www.trinidadtimes.com
