The United States (US) Embassy in Havana issued a security alert warning about Cuba’s escalating energy crisis and the potential for protests that could include anti-American rhetoric. The alert highlights growing instability in the island’s national power grid and increasing social tensions fueled by prolonged blackouts and fuel shortages.
According to the embassy, Cuba’s electrical system has become “increasingly unstable,” with both scheduled and unscheduled power outages occurring daily across the country, including in the capital, Havana. Authorities warned that the outages are severely affecting essential services, including water supply, refrigeration, lighting, and communications, further complicating daily life for residents and visitors alike.
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The US embassy issues a security alert regarding the electrical service in Cuba
The alert also cautioned that some businesses, hotels, and hospitals rely on backup generators during blackouts. However, U.S. officials noted that ongoing fuel shortages may limit the ability of these facilities to maintain operations. The fuel crisis has additionally disrupted transportation, leading to long lines at gas stations throughout the country.
Cuba’s state-run electric utility, Unión Eléctrica (UNE), estimated that blackouts could simultaneously affect nearly 62 percent of the national territory. The outages come amid a broader economic and infrastructure crisis that has strained the island’s ability to generate and distribute electricity effectively.
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The worsening energy situation has unfolded alongside increased geopolitical tensions. The United States has intensified pressure on Cuba following the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, a key ally of the Cuban government. Venezuela had previously supplied significant volumes of crude oil to the island, helping offset its chronic energy deficit. The interruption of Venezuelan oil shipments has further aggravated Cuba’s already fragile energy system.
In its advisory, the U.S. Embassy urged American citizens currently in Cuba or planning to travel there to remain vigilant, monitor local news, and follow guidance from local authorities. The embassy also warned that some travelers have reportedly been denied entry to the country and that certain demonstrations have featured anti-U.S. messaging.
Meanwhile, Cuban officials have denied claims that negotiations with Washington are underway. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío stated that it would be incorrect to suggest bilateral talks are being designed, contradicting recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed his administration had engaged in dialogue with Havana.
Cuba has faced sporadic protests in recent years, often triggered by shortages of food, electricity, and basic services. Analysts warn that continued blackouts and economic hardship could heighten social unrest, posing additional challenges for both the Cuban government and foreign nationals on the island.
