Cuba plunged into nationwide blackout amid ongoing energy crisis and US pressure

Cuba experienced a nationwide power outage on Monday, July 6, 2026, leaving approximately 10 million people across the island without electricity. The state grid operator, UNE, reported a total collapse of the national power system, with investigations into the immediate cause currently underway. This incident marks at least the third nationwide blackout since the start of the year, highlighting an escalating energy crisis.

The widespread power failures are deeply rooted in Cuba's severely aging electricity infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages. This precarious situation has been significantly exacerbated by a U.S.-imposed oil blockade and accompanying sanctions, which have drastically limited the country's access to vital fuel imports needed to operate its power plants.