Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel conceded on Thursday that blackouts have intensified in Havana and other provinces as the regime chooses to prioritize electricity for economic purposes amid severe fuel shortages and a deteriorating national energy system.
In an extensive televised appearance, Díaz-Canel attempted to present a positive review of the previous year, despite labeling it as one of the most challenging due to alleged U.S. "harassment," a shortage of foreign currency, and the decline of Venezuelan oil supplies.
Nevertheless, he openly admitted that the Cuban population is experiencing more frequent blackouts because the regime has opted to allocate the limited available energy to sustain agricultural and industrial production. This situation has worsened since Venezuelan oil supplies were cut off in December 2025.
"Until 2025, we prioritized electricity for the population, but the economy was stagnant. This year, we decided to channel more energy into the economy, even if it affects the population," Díaz-Canel stated.
The leader emphasized that a portion of the energy is directed towards irrigation, especially for rice crops, and reviving state factories, arguing that the population "also benefits from what the economy produces."
His statements, which sparked discontent among social and business sectors, confirm that the Cuban regime continues to manage energy from a survival standpoint, prioritizing centralized production and political control over citizen welfare.
Díaz-Canel noted that last year, the country managed to recover over 900 megawatts in so-called distributed generation—local power plants running on diesel or fuel oil—but admitted these gains have not been realized due to fuel shortages.
"We've had weeks with zero distributed generation," he remarked, acknowledging that deficits during peak times routinely exceed 1,800 or 2,000 megawatts.
Attempting to highlight successes, Díaz-Canel mentioned the installation of 49 solar parks with a capacity exceeding 1,000 megawatts, allegedly increasing the share of renewable energy in national generation from 3% to 10%.
However, he admitted that the tangible impact of this investment is minimal, as fuel shortages and breakdowns in thermoelectric plants keep the system in a critical state.
"Without those 1,000 solar megawatts, the country would be in a constant state of blackout," Díaz-Canel asserted, though he conceded that daytime outages have increased due to equipment failures, fuel shortages, and reduced solar intensity.
Díaz-Canel attempted to explain that while the number of daytime blackouts remains similar to previous years, their duration and frequency have increased due to the regime's decision to keep certain industries and plantations operational.
"We're channeling more energy into the economy during the day because if the economy doesn't produce, problems worsen," he said, trying to justify a strategy that has heightened public dissatisfaction.
The leader also disclosed that the regime has initiated a "defense preparedness plan," with the National Defense Council approving "necessary measures" to activate a State of War if required.
He asserted that Cuba "is not at war" but is updating its military system in response to the "increasing aggressiveness" of the United States in the region.
Cuba's energy crisis worsened following decisions by U.S. President Donald Trump, who ordered a halt to Venezuelan oil flows to the island on January 3 after the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro. Days later, the White House imposed additional tariffs and sanctions on companies and governments supplying fuel to Cuba, severely restricting its import capability.
Without stable access to oil, insufficient reserves, and aging thermal plants, Cuba is experiencing one of the longest blackout periods in the past decade.
The blackouts disrupt water supply, transportation, food refrigeration, and hospital services, exacerbating the overall decline in living conditions.
In Havana neighborhoods, the situation is particularly dire, with blackouts exceeding six hours daily in some areas, while the government pleads for "understanding" and insists this is a temporary sacrifice.
However, Cubans perceive the regime's measures as an attempt to maintain its productive and control apparatus rather than alleviate public suffering.
Díaz-Canel continued to blame Washington for the fuel shortages, asserting that "Cuba is a nation of peace" posing no threat to the United States.
Yet, his remarks contrast with the reality of an exhausted country lacking energy autonomy, enduring continuous blackouts under a regime that persists in justifying the crisis as a result of external pressures.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration steadfastly adheres to its policy of economic suffocation against the Cuban dictatorship, conditioning any relief or negotiation on genuine changes concerning human rights and political openness on the island.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
Why are blackouts increasing in Havana?
Blackouts are increasing due to the regime's decision to allocate limited electricity resources to economic activities, compounded by severe fuel shortages and a failing energy infrastructure.
What role does the United States play in Cuba's energy crisis?
The United States has imposed sanctions that restrict Cuba's ability to import fuel, following decisions by the Trump administration to halt Venezuelan oil supplies to the island.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy crisis?
The government claims to focus on increasing renewable energy and prioritizing electricity for economic production, though these measures have not significantly alleviated the crisis.