Cubas Power Restored as Ongoing Crisis Continues Unabated

Havana Experiences Power Outage as US-Cuba Relations Remain Tense

A nationwide blackout and energy crisis has affected Cuba, with power supply slowly being restored in the capital city. The collapse of the national power grid occurred on Monday, leaving most parts of the country without electricity for several hours. According to reports from Havana, power is now being gradually restored in the capital.

The current power outage is not an isolated incident and has been a recurring issue since 2019, when the US government imposed maximum-pressure sanctions on Cuba. The sanctions led to a significant reduction in fuel imports, resulting in the Cuban government’s decision to cut back on energy supplies.

In recent weeks, the Trump administration has tightened its restrictions on Cuba, imposing an oil blockade that has lasted for nearly three months. This move has further exacerbated the country’s energy crisis, with frequent and prolonged power cuts becoming more common.

Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga announced on Monday that Cuban nationals living abroad will soon be allowed to invest directly in their homeland and own businesses in Cuba. The announcement is seen as a potential economic reform, which may be part of the ongoing negotiations between the US and Cuba.

The two governments have confirmed that they are engaging in talks, with the focus largely on economic reforms. However, details of the negotiations remain unclear. With the US oil blockade having a significant impact on living standards, most Cubans appear to be in favor of reaching an agreement.

Source: Al Jazeera