Cuba plunged into darkness on Monday, July 6, 2026, as its National Electric Power System suffered a total disconnection, causing an island-wide blackout that affected approximately 10 million people. The state-run Electric Union confirmed the collapse of the fragile power grid early Monday morning.

The blackout forced a near halt to public transportation and led to the cancellation of tens of thousands of surgeries nationwide, according to The Associated Press (AP). Limited electricity service was gradually restored in some areas.

Cuba's energy crisis has intensified in recent years due to chronic fuel shortages and deteriorating electrical infrastructure. The situation worsened after the United States, under President Donald Trump, imposed additional sanctions in January 2026 and threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba.

While Cuba produces about 40% of its fuel needs, a Russian tanker delivered roughly 730,000 barrels of oil in March 2026; these supplies were depleted by the end of April, per AP reports.

Despite the challenges, microsystems have been activated nationwide to protect vital services. Officials described the efforts of electrical workers amid what they termed a "genocidal energy blockade" as heroic. They also stated that vital services continue to be safeguarded despite the complex circumstances.

Photographs from the blackout show residents in Havana and other provinces navigating the darkness, including a child carrying oil past a solar panel set up to charge batteries.

This marks Cuba's third major blackout in 2026, underscoring the ongoing strain on the island's power system.

Sources