Cuba Faces Deepening Energy Crisis as US Tightens Screws

Freezing temperatures, fuel shortages, and blackouts plague the island nation as Venezuela's collapse and US pressure take a heavy toll.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Cuba is facing its most severe economic crisis in decades, marked by widespread power outages, fuel shortages, food scarcity, and a surge in emigration. The crisis has been exacerbated by the collapse of Cuba's long-standing ally Venezuela and the tightening of US sanctions, which have effectively cut off the island's vital supply of Venezuelan oil. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has pushed back against US demands, but the country's options appear limited as it struggles to secure alternative energy sources.

Why it matters

The energy crisis in Cuba has far-reaching implications, not only for the daily lives of ordinary Cubans but also for the island's political and economic stability. The US strategy appears aimed at exerting maximum pressure on Cuba, potentially seeking political change, and preventing the flow of resources that support the Cuban government. The situation highlights the vulnerability of Cuba's energy infrastructure and the challenges it faces in diversifying its energy sources.

The details

Following a US military intervention in Venezuela and the capture of Nicolás Maduro, Cuba's long-standing ally, the flow of Venezuelan oil – a critical lifeline for the island – has been effectively cut off. US President Donald Trump has publicly warned Havana that access to Venezuelan oil and financial support is over, urging Cuba to 'build a deal' with Washington. This move places significant pressure on Cuba, already grappling with its most severe economic crisis in decades. Gasoline is now only available for purchase with foreign currency, requiring hours of waiting in line at dollar-only gas stations. Cuba currently produces only about 40% of the energy it requires, leading to increasingly frequent and prolonged blackouts – lasting up to 10 to 15 hours, even in the capital, Havana.

  • In late January, Cuba attempted to purchase a one-off tanker shipment of oil from Togo, but the shipment altered its course towards the Dominican Republic, likely due to US pressure.
  • In early February 2026, a cold weather front brought freezing temperatures to Cuba for the first time in recorded history.

The players

Miguel Díaz-Canel

The current President of Cuba, who has pushed back against US demands and warned that Cuba is 'close to failing'.

Donald Trump

The former US President who has publicly warned Havana that access to Venezuelan oil and financial support is over and urged Cuba to 'build a deal' with Washington.

Nicolás Maduro

The former President of Venezuela, whose capture by US forces has effectively cut off Cuba's vital supply of Venezuelan oil.

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What they’re saying

“No one dictates what we do.”

— Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba

“Trump is crazy, he wants to take away the very air that we breathe.”

— Aleida, Havana homestay owner

“Trump is harming us simple people, not the government.”

— Ramon, Taxi driver

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The energy crisis in Cuba highlights the island's vulnerability and the challenges it faces in diversifying its energy sources, as well as the broader US strategy of exerting maximum pressure on the Cuban government.