‘Blackouts, No Fuel, Limited Transport’: Cuban Resident Speaks Out

For many families in Cuba, their day now revolves around three hours of electricity.

Cuban national Rosalia Morales Babastro told News 5 that fuel has not completely run out, but strict government controls are now in place as supplies dwindle. The shortage follows U.S. sanctions that have restricted oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico and deterred other countries from supplying the island.

“The fuel hasn’t completely run out. The problem is that Cuba has taken measures because, obviously, it is running low since the United States is not allowing fuel to enter,” Morales Babastro said. “Measures have been taken to stop transportation. Some services are being restored, but others are not. Transportation is complicated right now, and the fuel is more expensive on the streets for motorcycles and cars.”

She says the country is only being provided light for about three hours; “then it’s off practically the entire day.”

The growing fuel crisis in Cuba is also affecting students, stating, “With this situation, the university was suspended for a time, as well as some schools where students are boarding away from their hometowns.”

Limited electricity has also weakened mobile data and internet access. Morales Babastro said, “I don’t have the internet, I don’t have information, I can’t watch the news, I can’t watch TV, and the connection is very bad.”

Cuba has warned airlines it cannot supply jet fuel at several airports from February 11 to March 11. This has forced widespread flight cancellations and disruptions.