Hundreds of Cuban citizens protested across Havana on Wednesday evening, May 13, 2026 [1], [2], following a series of severe rolling blackouts [1], [3].
The unrest highlights the growing instability of Cuba's energy infrastructure and the escalating tension between the civilian population and government officials.
The demonstrations occurred as Havana experienced what are described as the worst rolling blackouts in decades [1]. Residents gathered in scattered groups across the capital city to express frustration over the persistent lack of electricity [1], [2].
Government officials said the power failures are due to a U.S. blockade that has limited the country's ability to import fuel [1], [3]. According to reports, the nation has run out of diesel and fuel oil, leaving the power grid unable to operate effectively [3].
Authorities in Havana issued warnings against public disorder as the protests flared [1], [2]. The lack of power has disrupted basic services and daily life for hundreds of residents who took to the streets [2].
The energy crisis is tied to the inability to secure fuel imports due to the U.S. blockade [1], [3]. This has left the national grid in a state of failure, triggering the widespread outages that sparked the Wednesday evening protests [1], [3].
“Havana experienced what are described as the worst rolling blackouts in decades.”
The convergence of infrastructure collapse and international sanctions is creating a volatile domestic environment in Cuba. Because the power grid relies on fuel imports that are currently restricted, the government's inability to restore electricity may lead to more frequent and larger-scale civil unrest in Havana.
