In Photos: Cuba suffers third nationwide blackout in two weeks as fuel shortage deepens crisis

Cuba suffered its third nationwide blackout in two weeks after the National Electric System (SEN) collapsed, leaving the entire island without electricity amid a worsening energy crisis. (Pics/AFP)

Updated On: 2026-07-15 03:02 PM IST

Compiled by : ronak mastakar

Pic/AFP

Cuba's electricity grid remains under severe strain as fuel shortages worsen. The island produces only about 40 per cent of the fuel it needs, while imports remain uncertain.

Authorities said a problem at a generating unit in Holguin province caused a sudden frequency change, triggering the nationwide collapse of the power grid.

Officials activated emergency restoration protocols by creating isolated "micro-islands" to restore electricity first to essential services, including hospitals and food processing plants.

Electricity gradually returned to parts of Havana, while several provinces, including Guantanamo, Cienfuegos and Matanzas, also began restoring power to key areas.

The recurring outages have disrupted transportation, healthcare, businesses and flights, while also affecting water supply, cooking, internet and telephone services across Cuba.

Frequent blackouts have become a part of daily life, with many families relying on solar panels, portable batteries and photovoltaic-powered electric motorcycles and tricycles to cope.

Next Gallery

Belgium wildfire: High Fens shrouded in smoke as crews battle century’s biggest blaze

Related Photos