AfriPulse
Cuba’s dire energy woes are about to become even more critical, the nation’s energy minister has warned.
In a recent televised announcement, Cuba’s Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, revealed that a shipment of oil from Russia, received in late March, has been completely utilized. This development comes at a critical time as the island braces for the intense heat of the summer months, which significantly increases the demand for energy.
De la O Levy addressed the nation, expressing concerns over the mounting pressure on Cuba’s energy resources. “The situation is very tense, it’s becoming hotter,” he remarked on the state-run television, underscoring the urgent need for solutions amidst rising temperatures.
A man walks on a street in Havana, Cuba, on March 17. (Norlys Perez/Reuters/File via CNN Newsource)
The depletion of oil reserves has not gone unnoticed by the Cuban public. In recent days, small groups have gathered in protest, often under the cover of night, resorting to banging pots and pans to voice their frustration over prolonged power outages.
During his broadcast, the minister, with a somber demeanor, emphasized the severity of the situation by repeatedly stating that the island’s oil reserves are nearly exhausted. “We have absolutely no diesel,” he declared, painting a dire picture of the energy crisis affecting Cuba’s electrical grid.
“We have absolutely no diesel,” he said.
An electric tricycle driver passes in front of a gas station in Havana, Cuba. (Norlys Perez/Reuters/File via CNN Newsource)
Following the US attack on Cuba’s oil-rich ally Venezuela in January and the Trump administration’s declaration that the Cuban government presents a threat to US national security, the communist-run island has faced an oil blockade.
Other than the one shipload of donated Russian oil, Cuban officials say they have been cut off from any oil shipments by the US for more than four months.
That oil donation was used up in early May and Cubans are regularly suffering blackouts that last most of the day if not the entire day.
People drive a classic American car through a barricade set up by residents protesting against prolonged power outages in Havana. (AP)
Some Cubans now complain they don’t receive enough power to charge items like electric mopeds or even phones. Many people wake in the middle of the night – during the brief moments there is electricity – to do basic tasks like laundry and cooking.
While de la O Levy said the island was increasingly using solar power thanks to panels donated by China, he said cloud cover and weather conditions often means that the power generated fluctuates greatly.
Without costly batteries to store the electricity generated by the panels, they do not provide any respite in the night-time hours during peak demand.
“In Havana, the blackouts now exceed 20-22 hours (per day),” de la O Levy said.
The Trump administration is attempting to force the Cuban government to open the island politically and economically, and oust top leadership in order for economic sanctions to be lifted.
President Donald Trump has said the Cuban government is on the verge of collapse and that he is considering using military force to take the island.
Cuban officials have angrily refuted the pressure campaign and promised to resist any military intervention with force.
On Wednesday, a State Department news release said the US was offering the island $100 million in aid, to carry out “meaningful reforms to Cuba’s communist system.”
“The decision rests with the Cuban regime to accept our offer of assistance or deny critical living-saving aid and ultimately be accountable to the Cuban people for standing in the way of critical assistance,” the release said.
The Cuban government said Thursday it is “ready to listen” to aid offer, although it stressed that it does not have specific details about the State Department’s proposal.
“It is still not clear whether this would be a material or in (cash) assistance, or if it would be destined to meet the most pressing needs facing the people at this moment, in terms of fuel, food and medicines,” Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said on X.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said such an offer would encounter “no obstacles or ingratitude from Cuba,” but he insisted that there’s an alternative solution to the crisis.
“Incidentally, the damage could be alleviated in a much easier and more expeditious way by lifting or easing the blockade,” he wrote on X .
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.
Source: NewsFinale | Read the Full Story…
