Cuba Exhausts Fuel Supplies as Blackouts Trigger Unrest

Cuba has completely run out of diesel and fuel oil, leading to widespread blackouts and civil unrest across the island [1, 2].

The energy collapse threatens the stability of the Cuban government as essential services fail and public anger turns into open conflict in major cities. This crisis highlights the precarious state of the island's infrastructure and its volatile relationship with the U.S.

Reports from mid-May 2026 indicate that the country has exhausted its diesel and fuel oil supplies [1, 2]. The shortage has resulted in severe power outages, with some areas experiencing blackouts lasting 20 to 22 hours per day ^[3]. These conditions have sparked protests and, in some instances, violent riots in Havana and other urban centers [4, 5].

"We have absolutely no fuel," the Cuban Energy Minister said ^[4].

The crisis is attributed to a combination of U.S. sanctions and a decision by the Cuban government to reject a $100 million aid package from the U.S. [3, 6]. The rejection of these funds has left the administration unable to secure the imports necessary to maintain the power grid [3, 6].

While the Cuban government has struggled to manage the depletion of stocks, the U.S. administration under President Donald Trump has maintained a policy of sanctions. The diplomatic tension reached a peak earlier this month when the CIA director visited the island ^[7].

Public unrest continues to grow as citizens face the daily reality of near-total darkness and a lack of transportation. The government has not announced a new plan to secure fuel imports following the rejected aid offer [3, 6].