Cuban officials report an island-wide blackout as country struggles with energy crisis

"The Ministry of Energy and Mines on X noted a "complete disconnection" of the country's electrical system and said it was investigating. President Miguel Díaz-Canel on Friday said the island had not received oil shipments in more than three months and was operating on solar power, natural gas and thermoelectric plants."

"Critical oil shipments from Venezuela were halted after the U.S. attacked the South American country in early January and arrested its then-president, Nicolás Maduro. While Cuba produces 40% of its petroleum and has been generating its own power, it hasn't been sufficient to meet demand as its electric grid continues to crumble."

"Cuba has blamed its woes on a U.S. energy blockade after President Donald Trump in January warned of tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to it. The government has had to postpone surgeries for tens of thousands of people."

Cuba suffered a complete electrical system blackout affecting approximately 11 million people as the nation's energy crisis deepens. The country has not received oil shipments for over three months and relies on solar power, natural gas, and thermoelectric plants. Critical oil supplies from Venezuela halted following U.S. actions in January. Although Cuba produces 40% of its petroleum domestically, domestic production cannot meet demand as the electrical grid deteriorates. The government has postponed surgeries for tens of thousands of people. President Díaz-Canel confirmed ongoing talks with the U.S. government regarding the escalating crisis.

Read at ABC7 Los Angeles