On March 4, significant power outages affected much of Cuba, as reported by the state-run electric company, Union Electrica UNE. The outages were triggered by an unexpected shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric power plant, located approximately 100 kilometers east of Havana, which also experienced blackouts.
Roman Perez, the technical director of the Guiteras plant, indicated that repairs could take between three to four days. Power interruptions are not uncommon in Havana, where the government has implemented electricity rationing due to ongoing economic challenges.
Local residents reportedly reacted calmly to the blackout, with some traffic lights and businesses remaining operational thanks to solar panels or generators. However, the national news broadcast was delayed due to the outages.
The Cuban government attributes its economic crisis to decades of U.S. sanctions, which have hindered investment in electricity production and infrastructure. In a related development, Mexico, a key alternative oil supplier to Venezuela, announced it would cease shipments to Cuba following U.S. threats of new tariffs against countries supplying oil to the island.
Meanwhile, global oil prices have risen for the third consecutive day, increasing by 16-17% amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Israel regarding Iran. This rise in prices raises concerns about fuel logistics and the stability of oil and gas exports from the Middle East.
Cuba experienced widespread power outages due to a shutdown at the Antonio Guiteras thermoelectric plant, exacerbating existing economic challenges. The situation is compounded by rising global oil prices and a halt in oil shipments from Mexico, raising concerns about the country's energy stability.
Source: Reuters