The Cuban public's frustration over the ongoing energy crisis erupted across social media on Wednesday. This outcry followed an emergency address by Energy and Mines Minister, Vicente de La O Levy, where he openly admitted that Cuba is out of fuel: "We have no fuel, no diesel, only accompanying gas."
The minister’s statement, broadcasted via Cubavisión and Canal Caribe, came at the worst time of the year for the electrical grid. On that day, the deficit reached 2,113 MW at 8:40 PM, with just 1,230 MW available against a demand of 3,250 MW, leaving approximately two-thirds of the nation without power.
Cubans, fed up with official justifications, responded with anger and sarcasm. "That excuse is too old, throw in the towel, we can't take anymore," wrote one user, encapsulating the citizens’ exhaustion with the regime's broken promises.
Others directly called out the hypocrisy of those in power. "Stop being impostors; you have plenty of fuel, you just know what you're using it for," commented another frustrated individual.
A third user bluntly asked, "Why do they, the leaders, always have electricity? Go ahead, explain."
The account of Azabache Fragancia was more forthright: "Of course there's no fuel if they hoard it or sell it." Meanwhile, a user named Marilyn G. added, "That ministry is pointless already; put them in barren lands to grow tubers and vegetables."
Instead of offering tangible solutions, De La O Levy blamed Donald Trump, the U.S. embargo, and even the conflict between the United States and Iran for the island's oil shortage.
The minister acknowledged that neglecting maintenance on thermoelectric units means losing them forever: "The situation is critical in the units. Not maintaining a unit leads to total sacrifice and complete loss. We will remain blocked, but we will continue to resist."
As a glimmer of potential relief, he mentioned a Russian ship that had docked in Cuba: "We are open to buying fuel. If more fuel appears, we would see the effect." He also emphasized biomass, wind turbines, and hydraulic resources, urging each municipality to "find their formulas" to generate energy.
The crisis stems from structural issues that the regime cannot hide. Cuba produces only 40,000 barrels of oil per day against a demand of 90,000 to 110,000. Venezuela halted its shipments in November 2025, and Mexico nearly ceased theirs since January 2026. A recent Russian shipment of 730,000 barrels was the only relief, and it ran out by the end of April.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel himself admitted on May 2: "That oil is running out these days, and we don't know when more fuel will arrive in Cuba." In April, only one of the eight fuel shipments Cuba minimally needs each month arrived, Díaz-Canel acknowledged.
The Cuban electrical system has suffered at least seven total collapses in 18 months. The worst occurred on March 16, 2026, when the island was plunged into darkness for 29 hours and 29 minutes, and a seventh total collapse followed just six days later.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's current energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to its inability to produce enough oil to meet demand, compounded by halted shipments from Venezuela and Mexico. Structural issues within the country's energy infrastructure also contribute to the crisis.
How has the Cuban government responded to the energy shortages?
The government has blamed external factors such as the U.S. embargo and international conflicts. It has also called for municipalities to find alternative energy solutions, including biomass and wind energy, while hoping for new fuel shipments.
What impact has the energy crisis had on the Cuban population?
The energy crisis has led to widespread power outages, affecting two-thirds of the population. This has resulted in significant public frustration and criticism of the government's inability to address the situation effectively.