On April 4th, Lisset Mirel, a young student from the Petroleum Polytechnic Center, confidently stated at an official event in the Ministry of Energy and Mines that Cuban scientists have successfully tackled each problem posed by the U.S. embargo on the country's development.
This declaration was made during the Youth Forum Against the Embargo, organized to mark the 64th anniversary of the Union of Young Communists (UJC). The event was led by the UJC's first secretary, Meyvis Estévez Echevarría, and the Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy.
"We have witnessed firsthand how the embargo affects our country's growth, but we have also seen how our scientists, our knowledge, and our universities, in collaboration with research and production centers, have managed to overcome each obstacle we face due to the embargo," Mirel told the audience.
The stark contrast between Mirel's words and the harsh reality faced by millions of Cubans is undeniable.
During the same week as her speech, Cuba experienced power generation deficits exceeding 1,700 MW daily, resulting in blackouts lasting up to 18 hours in several provinces.
Just yesterday, the available electricity supply was a mere 1,300 MW compared to a demand of 2,380 MW, impacting 53% of the nation.
The National Electric System has suffered at least six complete breakdowns in the last 18 months, the most recent occurring on March 22. Minister De la O Levy admitted at the forum that while Cuba has over 1,300 MW installed in solar panels, effective generation remains at only 400 MW due to a lack of batteries.
Cuba's energy crisis stems from deep-rooted structural issues predating any recent tightening of sanctions: even before Washington's latest measures, the country was producing only 40% of the oil it required, a dependency not solely attributable to the embargo.
The accumulated frustration has spilled over, defying the regime's attempts to control dissent with events like this forum. In January 2026, there were 953 protests and 395 direct challenges to the state, the highest monthly figure in history according to the Cuban Conflict Observatory.
In March, residents of Morón attacked the local Communist Party headquarters with stones and fire, while pot-banging protests erupted in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and other cities.
The event on April 4 is part of a propaganda campaign the regime has ramped up in recent weeks: on April 2, the UJC organized an "Anti-Imperialist Youth Parade" in Havana, and on March 31, state-organized events had Cuban children staging mock trials against the United States.
The forum also announced a youth expedition set to travel through communities and businesses in every province from today until April 23 to "explain" to the population how the energy transition in Cuba is progressing.
This Friday, Díaz-Canel accused the U.S. government at the UN of imposing prolonged collective punishment through sanctions, without acknowledging any internal management responsibility for the nation's ongoing crisis.
Understanding Cuba's Energy Crisis
What are the main causes of Cuba's energy crisis?
Cuba's energy crisis is primarily due to structural issues that existed before any recent sanctions. The country only produces 40% of the oil it needs, which results in significant energy shortages.
How has the U.S. embargo affected Cuba's development?
The U.S. embargo imposes restrictions that challenge Cuba's development, particularly in areas like energy. However, internal mismanagement also plays a significant role in the current crisis.
How is the Cuban government addressing the energy shortages?
The Cuban government has acknowledged the need for renewable energy but struggles with implementing effective solutions due to resource constraints, such as a lack of batteries for solar panels.