Cuba Faces Renewed Energy Crisis as Sanctions Bite

Viral video highlights disconnect between political narratives and daily life on the island

Feb. 6, 2026 at 7:47pm

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A conversation between a young Cuban man in Miami and his mother in Cuba has reignited debate over the real impact of U.S. sanctions on the island. The exchange, which went viral, exposes the gap between the political narrative about the effects of external sanctions and the everyday experience of scarcity described by many Cubans. Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has confirmed the country has returned to the difficult 'Special Period' of the 1990s, with no petroleum shipments from Venezuela since December 2025 and an acute energy crisis with no immediate solutions.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex interplay between political narratives, external economic pressures, and the lived realities of Cuban citizens. As Cuba navigates this renewed period of hardship, it underscores the island's continued vulnerability to forces beyond its control and the challenges of reconciling official discourse with the daily struggles of the population.

The details

In the viral video exchange, the young man in Miami questions his mother's fears about Trump-era restrictions, such as Cuba being unable to receive petroleum or a halt to remittances. He insists these measures would primarily impact the 'elite' and those who benefit from supply chains, not the general population, who already live in precarity. The mother expresses concerns about travel restrictions and the difficulty of receiving remittances, while the son describes a landscape of widespread darkness, people cooking with charcoal and wood, and a population that 'has nothing.' He accuses the Cuban government of using the 'blockade' as a scapegoat and suggests the authorities will use the people as a 'shield' against sanctions.

  • In December 2025, Cuba stopped receiving petroleum shipments from Venezuela.
  • On Thursday, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed the country has returned to the 'Special Period' of the 1990s due to the energy crisis.

The players

Yero Vento

A young Cuban man living in Miami who engaged in a viral video exchange with his mother in Cuba.

Miguel Díaz-Canel

The current President of Cuba, who confirmed the country's return to the 'Special Period' of the 1990s due to an acute energy crisis.

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What they’re saying

“Mom, when have you had all that Trump wants to take away?”

— Yero Vento (Social media)

“if I die, don't reach”

— Yero Vento's mother (Social media)

“there is nothing decent in Cuba”

— Yero Vento (Social media)

What’s next

The Cuban government has approved a set of directives to address the acute fuel shortage, including prioritizing state consumption, reducing energy expenditure, and redistributing available fuel. However, Díaz-Canel acknowledged that the situation 'will not be resolved overnight'.

The takeaway

This case highlights the continued vulnerability of Cuba to external economic pressures and the complex interplay between political narratives and the daily lived experiences of its citizens. As the country navigates this renewed period of hardship, it underscores the challenges of reconciling official discourse with the struggles faced by the general population.