Cuba Blackout Fuels Protests, US Embargo Deepens Crisis

The underlying cause is a severely aging infrastructure, with thermal power plants operating for over 40 years, resulting in pre-blackout daily outages of up to 15 hours in Havana and 48 hours in rural areas. The crisis intensified in January following the US administration's cut-off of Venezuelan oil shipments and threats against other fuel suppliers, effectively bringing the Cuban economy to a standstill.

In response, President Diaz-Canel's government implemented drastic austerity measures, including suspending diesel sales and rationing gasoline. This severe energy and economic crisis has ignited widespread social unrest, with protests erupting in Havana and Moron, where demonstrations reportedly turned violent, leading to at least five arrests.