Amid an energy crisis likened by Miguel Díaz-Canel to the harshest years of the Special Period, the Cuban government is once again rolling out an "updated" economic plan aimed at "fixing distortions and revitalizing the economy."
On February 11, the State Council reviewed the latest version of the plan, which, according to official data, followed 76,172 meetings and consideration of 140,348 proposals. Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz outlined that the plan encompasses 10 general objectives, 116 specific goals, 438 actions, and 308 indicators and targets. Before it sees the light, this final version will undergo further scrutiny by various bodies.
This announcement comes shortly after Díaz-Canel openly acknowledged the nation's "complex" energy situation, marked by severe fuel shortages since December 2025 and a halt in Venezuelan oil deliveries. The leader conceded that "restrictive" measures are on the horizon, urging sacrifice and recalling the "zero option" strategies deployed in the 1990s.
Despite official rhetoric about public involvement and neighborhood oversight, the reality on the island is defined by blackouts extending beyond eight and even twelve hours in several provinces, halted transportation, and agricultural production crippled by a lack of diesel.
This is not the regime's first attempt at relaunching this program. In October and November of the previous year, a similarly "updated" version was introduced, also subjected to internal discussions within Party structures, mass organizations, and state bodies. As before, promises were made to align goals, timelines, and responsibilities without providing concrete details on the real impact on everyday Cuban life.
In this new phase, Marrero also claimed that directives have been approved to tackle fuel shortages, aiming to "ensure the country's vitality" and mitigate the impact on the population. Nonetheless, the government admits that some activities will need to be halted or deferred.
The pattern is all too familiar: meetings, participation statistics, reformulated objectives, and pledges of efficiency, all in a context where inflation, scarcity, and deteriorating basic services continue to burden Cuban families both on the island and abroad.
The contrast is stark. While indicators and targets are discussed in the Capitol, millions of Cubans are practically thrown back into the survival mode of the Special Period, facing extreme frugality, restrictions, and constant calls for sacrifice.
FAQs on Cuba's Economic Update Amid Energy Crisis
What does the updated economic plan aim to achieve?
The updated economic plan aims to address distortions in the economy and rejuvenate economic activities by setting specific goals and actions.
How is the energy crisis affecting Cuba?
Cuba is experiencing severe fuel shortages and prolonged blackouts, disrupting transportation and agriculture, and leading to restrictive measures reminiscent of the 1990s Special Period.
What measures has the Cuban government proposed to tackle fuel shortages?
The government has approved directives aimed at ensuring the country's vitality and minimizing the impact on citizens, though some activities may be halted or deferred.