Cuba's Power Struggle: Grid Failures Spark Crisis Amidst Looming Hurricane

Cuba faces a deepening crisis after multiple partial grid failures left millions without power, raising concerns over the government's capability to restore service. The crisis is exacerbated as a hurricane approaches, while long-standing issues like U.S. sanctions, fuel shortages, and deteriorating infrastructure persist.

The Cuban government is grappling with an escalating power crisis as multiple partial grid failures have plunged millions into darkness. The situation intensified this weekend, leaving Havana and surrounding provinces without electricity, sparking protests and raising doubts about the government's capability to restore service rapidly.

Lazaro Guerra, Cuba's top electricity official, announced a collapse in the grid over the weekend, while technicians work around the clock to remedy the situation. The outages come amid already dire shortages of essential goods like food and medicine. Additionally, the impending arrival of Hurricane Oscar threatens to compound the crisis.

The Cuban administration has attributed the blackouts to aging infrastructure, fuel scarcities, and increased demand. They also blame U.S. sanctions for hampering their ability to maintain their power plants. Meanwhile, key suppliers like Venezuela have cut down oil deliveries, forcing Cuba to seek costly alternatives on the global market.

(With inputs from agencies.)