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Cuba Reconnects Power Grid After Blackout That Darkened Two-Thirds of Island

The outage highlighted a deepening fuel crunch tied to halted Venezuelan oil deliveries that has forced rationing.

Un feu de circulation hors service en raison d'une nouvelle panne dans le réseau national, le 4 mars 2026 à La Havane, à Cuba
Des immeubles pendant un blackout à La Havane, à Cuba, le 4 mars 2026
Un feu de circulation hors service en raison d'une panne de courant à La Havane, le 4 mars 2026 à Cuba

Overview

  • Officials said the national grid was reconnected at 10:01 GMT Thursday, with generation units being added back and power returning in parts of Havana.
  • The failure began Wednesday after an unexpected trip at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, cutting electricity across the west and center, including the capital.
  • No oil tanker has officially docked since January 9, triggering suspension of diesel sales, gasoline rationing, reduced hospital capacity, remote university classes, telework, and cuts to public transport.
  • Electricity availability fell about 20% from January 1 to February 15 compared with 2025, reflecting an aging fleet of thermal plants prone to breakdowns and lengthy maintenance.
  • Air France will suspend Havana flights from late March until at least mid-June because of a kerosene shortage, and Ecuador ordered the expulsion of Cuba’s ambassador and entire mission in Quito.