On Wednesday, the Cuban Minister of Energy and Mines, Vicente de la O Levy, acknowledged before the National Assembly of People's Power that the persistent theft of oil from electrical transformers is exacerbating the already dire crisis of the National Electric System (SEN).
The minister revealed that some Cuban communities have endured up to 105 days without electricity due to damage inflicted on transformers, which are challenging to replace.
These remarks were made during the seventh regular session of the tenth legislature, held at the Palacio de Convenciones in Havana. This session coincided with a forecast by the Electric Union predicting a record impact of 2,380 MW, equivalent to 74.4% of the peak demand, estimated at 3,200 MW.
De la O Levy was clear in stating that the issue is not linked to the U.S. embargo. "We can't add problems that have nothing to do with the blockade. This daily theft of transformer oil is a major issue. The amount of oil stolen is nearly equal to what we're producing during the same period," he asserted.
The minister explained that while a thermoelectric unit can be cooled, repaired, and restarted, certain transformers are not easily replaced due to their technical specifications and the outdated nature of the circuits they support.
"When a transformer is damaged, entire communities can be left without power for up to 105 days. These are special transformers, operating on old voltage circuits that are very hard to obtain," he elaborated.
De la O Levy noted that the thefts particularly affect transformers tied to water pumps, agricultural irrigation systems, and community power supplies. "The theft is ongoing... and it only worsens the situation already facing our National Electric System," he warned.
This issue is not new. On April 27, oil theft at a substation in Jagüey Grande, Matanzas, left 4,429 homes, along with a hospital, a clinic, and a hygiene center, without power. In the same month, 600 liters of dielectric oil were stolen in Amancio, Las Tunas, resulting in electricity loss for 40% of the municipality's clients, totaling 4,947 users.
In Guerrita, Mayarí, Holguín, over 400 customers were without electricity for 29 days following the oil theft from a substation.
The regime has responded with stringent legal measures. Supreme Court ruling 475/2025 mandates that intentional acts damaging critical SEN components be classified as sabotage. Under the Penal Code, sections 125 and 126, such offenses can lead to sentences ranging from seven to 15 years for basic offenses, and from 10 to 30 years, life imprisonment, or even the death penalty if severe consequences arise.
In July 2026, a court sentenced an individual to 12 years in prison for stealing 102 liters of dielectric oil from the Bungo 2 substation in Contramaestre, Santiago de Cuba, leaving hundreds of families without power for 48 hours.
The electrical crisis reached unprecedented levels in July, with Cuba experiencing three total SEN disconnections within just eight days—on July 6, 10, and 14. The last incident marked the fifth national blackout in 2026.
In May, De la O Levy admitted that Cuba lacked reserves of fuel oil and diesel to generate electricity, relying instead on accompanying gas and domestic crude oil. The combination of fuel shortages, the deterioration of thermoelectric plants, and the scarcity of replacement equipment has created a structural crisis, which is deepened, though not solely explained, by the theft of dielectric oil.
Understanding the Impact of Transformer Oil Theft in Cuba
Why is transformer oil theft a significant issue in Cuba?
The theft of transformer oil in Cuba is critical because it damages essential infrastructure, leading to prolonged power outages in communities. The oil is crucial for the operation of transformers, which are difficult to replace due to their specialized nature and the aging infrastructure.
How has the Cuban government responded to these thefts?
The Cuban government has intensified legal penalties for these thefts, classifying them as sabotage under Supreme Court ruling 475/2025. This classification leads to severe punishments, including long prison sentences and potentially the death penalty, depending on the consequences.
What other factors contribute to Cuba's electrical crisis?
Beyond oil theft, Cuba's electrical crisis is compounded by a lack of fuel reserves, deteriorating thermoelectric plants, and a shortage of replacement parts. These issues create a systemic problem that is exacerbated by, but not solely due to, oil theft.