Cuba Restores Power After 29-Hour Blackout Amid US Oil Blockade

Cuba’s Power Grid Restored After 29-Hour Blackout

The national power grid of Cuba has been fully restored after a nationwide blackout that lasted for over 29 hours. According to energy officials, the grid was reconnected and the largest oil-fired power plant, Antonio Guiteras, was brought online by Tuesday evening at 6:11pm (22:11 GMT). The restoration came after the US cut off Cuba’s oil supply from Venezuela and threatened to impose tariffs on countries that ship fuel to the island.

The blackout had a significant impact on daily life in Cuba, with most residents experiencing prolonged power outages. Havana resident Carlos Montes de Oca stated that the outages affected every aspect of his life, including food and water supply. The situation was exacerbated by dire fuel shortages and antiquated power plants, which resulted in electricity generation being below necessary levels to meet demand.

Cuba has received only two small vessels carrying oil imports this year, according to LSEG ship tracking data. A Hong Kong-flagged tanker that could be carrying fuel to Cuba resumed navigation after suspending its course weeks ago in the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday.

US President Donald Trump had previously announced plans to take over the country, its resources, and properties, and to suffocate the economy. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel responded by criticizing US public threats against Cuba, stating that they intend to and announce plans to take over the country.

Cuba and the US have opened talks aimed at defusing the crisis, but neither side has provided details of the ongoing negotiations. Cubans have shown resilience in the face of hardship, with many expressing a sense of calm despite the challenges posed by the power outage.

Source: Al Jazeera