Protests Flare Across Havana as Power Cuts Deepen Amid U.S Blockade

CUBA – A Russian donation of oil to Cuba in late March has been exhausted since earlier this month and Cubans are regularly suffering blackouts that last most of the day, if not the entire day.

Small groups of Cubans have taken to the streets recently, often at night, banging pots and pans to protest longer energy cuts.

Following the U.S. attack on Cuba’s oil-rich ally, Venezuela in January, and the Trump administration’s declaration that the Cuban government presents a threat to U.S. national security, the communist-run island has faced an oil blockade.

Officials say the island was increasingly using solar power thanks to panels donated by China, but cloud cover and weather conditions often means that the power generation fluctuates greatly.